Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Rejects Indian Narrative on Jammu and Kashmir
Islamabad — Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has strongly rejected what he described as misleading remarks and propaganda by India's Defence Minister regarding Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that political rhetoric and coercive tactics cannot alter internationally recognized legal and historical realities.
Key Highlights
- Pakistan Rejects Indian Remarks: Pakistan has categorically rejected the statements made by India's Defence Minister regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
- UN Resolutions: Pakistan maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory whose future should be determined in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
- Allegations Against India: Khawaja Asif stated that India is a major source of regional instability and accused it of supporting terrorism in South Asia.
- Domestic Political Context: He said the recent statements were an attempt to divert public attention from India's internal political challenges.
Jammu and Kashmir's Status and International Resolutions
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that India's efforts could neither change the internationally recognized disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir nor contribute to peace in the region.
"Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. The future of the region must be decided in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."
— Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence Minister of Pakistan
He further said that India's allegations against Pakistan lack international credibility and accused India of pursuing state-sponsored terrorism and expansionist policies that have contributed to instability in South Asia.
National Security and Pakistan's Position
The Defence Minister warned that what he described as irresponsible and provocative statements from India could increase the risk of interstate tensions in the region.
Key IssuePakistan's Official PositionInternational LawSupports implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.Regional PeaceCommitted to peace, stability, and meaningful dialogue.National SovereigntyReaffirms its commitment to defending Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.Indian PoliticsSays the statements are intended to divert attention from India's domestic political challenges.
Khawaja Asif reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and peaceful engagement while maintaining an unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.