Khawaja Asif dismisses Indian defence minister's remarks on Kashmir

Islamabad (Web Desk): Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has categorically rejected the recent rejected what he described as irresponsible remarks made by India's Defence Minister on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, saying the comments misrepresent internationally accepted legal facts.

In a statement shared on X, Khawaja Asif said the Indian minister's remarks were another attempt to reshape the internationally recognised status of the Kashmir dispute through political messaging and coercive rhetoric.

He maintained that such statements cannot alter the disputed nature of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) or help create an environment conducive to peace, stability and constructive engagement in the region.

Reiterating Pakistan's longstanding position, the defence minister said Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory whose future must be decided in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people expressed through a free and impartial process.

Khawaja Asif also dismissed India's repeated allegations against Pakistan, arguing that they carry little credibility given what he called India's own documented involvement in state-sponsored terrorism and unlawful activities.

He further alleged that India has emerged as the principal source of instability in South Asia through policies that threaten regional peace.

The defence minister also expressed concern over what he termed India's increasingly aggressive rhetoric, warning that such statements could dangerously heighten tensions and increase the risk of conflict between the two countries. 

While reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to peace and dialogue, he stressed that the country remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security under all circumstances.

He further said the Indian defence minister's remarks appeared to be aimed at shifting attention away from India's internal political challenges, including growing public dissatisfaction and unrest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance and divisive policies.