Pakistan Rejects India’s Remarks on Azad Jammu and Kashmir Situation

Islamabad: Pakistan has firmly rejected India’s comments regarding the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tahir Andrabi, emphasized the stark differences between the conditions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Radio Pakistan, Tahir Andrabi stated that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an illegally annexed territory, recognized internationally as disputed, where systemic abuses have occurred under stringent laws. He highlighted that the people there have been denied fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination. In contrast, he noted that the government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is working within a democratic and constitutional framework to address issues.

The Spokesperson responded to a query about a statement from India’s Water Resources Minister by cautioning that any attempt to halt water flow to Pakistan would be a reckless breach of international obligations, specifically the Indus Waters Treaty. He asserted that Pakistan would undertake all necessary actions to protect its economy, critical national interests, and the well-being of its 250 million citizens. Andrabi urged India to fulfill its international duties and avoid actions that could exacerbate regional tensions.

Addressing a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Tahir Andrabi remarked that the findings align with Pakistan’s concerns about India’s vertical proliferation and strategic advancements, such as canisterization, sea-based systems, and extended-range intercontinental ballistic missiles. He mentioned that while Pakistan is not pursuing an arms race or a quantitative match in warheads and armaments, it remains vigilant about the changing security landscape.

Regarding the Middle East situation, Andrabi expressed that Pakistan remains hopeful and committed to peace and diplomacy despite recent escalations and diminishing diplomatic opportunities due to new hostilities.