Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, has affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to engage in a broad and inclusive dialogue with India aimed at resolving all outstanding issues, including terrorism.
Speaking during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, Khan reiterated that Pakistan’s longstanding position favours a comprehensive approach to talks with India.
He emphasized that Pakistan is open to discussing terrorism openly and confidently claimed to hold solid and undeniable proof of India’s role in instigating terrorism on Pakistani soil.
The FO spokesperson also expressed Pakistan’s receptiveness to initiatives by friendly nations to help facilitate this dialogue between the two neighboring countries.
Addressing concerns over India’s military expansion, Khan voiced alarm at India’s ongoing arms acquisition, which he described as a significant threat to peace in the region and to Pakistan’s own security interests.
He criticized the global community for neglecting India’s aggressive buildup of weapons, which Pakistan believes goes well beyond what is necessary for India’s legitimate defense.
Despite these concerns, Khan asserted that Pakistan remains fully capable of defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He underscored the country’s commitment to maintaining a full range of deterrence measures to safeguard its citizens and contribute to stability across South Asia.
On the issue of terrorism originating from Afghanistan, the spokesperson highlighted that this remains a central topic in Pakistan’s dialogues with Afghan officials.
While acknowledging Afghanistan as an important neighbour with whom Pakistan wishes to maintain amicable and fraternal ties, Khan stressed that terrorism continues to hamper the growth of bilateral relations and obstructs broader regional connectivity and economic development.