FO slams Indian foreign minister for 'irresponsible remarks' in Brussels

Pakistan reaffirms commitment to peace, diplomacy but vows to defend its sovereignty against any aggression

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APP
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A Pakistani police officer stands guard outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on January 18, 2024. — AFP
A Pakistani police officer stands guard outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on January 18, 2024. — AFP

  • FO rejects India’s “victimhood” claim, citing terror, IIOJK repression.
  • Says India should introspect over subversion, not deflect blame.
  • FO links India’s tone to frustration after failed military action.


ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday rejected the Indian external affairs minister’s remarks in Brussels, calling them irresponsible and advising him to avoid spinning misleading narratives to justify recent aggression.

“The discourse of top diplomats should aim to promote peace and harmony, rather than producing bellicose punchlines,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press statement.

"The tone and tenor of a foreign minister should be commensurate with his dignified status."

For the last several years, India has been engaged in a malicious campaign to mislead the international community through a fictitious narrative of victimhood, stated the FO official.

“However, India’s continued anti-Pakistan diatribe cannot hide its sponsorship of terrorism beyond its borders, nor can it cover up the state-sanctioned oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir."

"Instead of pointing fingers at others, India should introspect on its own involvement in terrorism, subversion and targeted assassinations,” the statement said.

The spokesperson further stressed that India must also desist from concocting misleading narratives to justify its recent aggressive actions.

“The narrative emerging from India betrays sheer frustration, following an unsuccessful military adventure against Pakistan.

The FO official added that the Indian leaders would be well-advised to improve the standard of their discourse and discard their obsession with Pakistan.

"The history will judge not by who shouted the loudest, but by who acted the wisest,” the spokesperson said, adding, "Pakistan believes in peaceful coexistence, dialogue and diplomacy."

"However, it stands resolute in its intent and ability to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression, as exemplified by its robust response to India’s reckless strikes last month," the spokesperson asserted.