FO condemns Indian defence minister’s ‘provocative’ remarks threatening aggression against Pakistan

The Foreign Office (FO) issued a strong statement on Friday condemning Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's provocative remarks about threatening aggression against Pakistan. Singh had warned that any "fresh terrorist activity from across the border" would result in a strike "even bigger than the last time", according to Indian news agency ANI.

FO spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan addressed the comments during his weekly press briefing on Friday. He emphasized that Pakistan rejects and condemns Singh's "provocative remarks entailing a threat of Indian aggression against Pakistan". Haider Khan stated that such reckless statements reflect India's "hegemonistic mindset" and pose a risk to regional peace and stability in South Asia.

He reminded India of the consequences of its military aggression in May of the previous year, when Pakistan responded effectively to Indian aggression, demonstrating its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Haider Khan warned that Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its "sovereignty and territorial integrity" against any "ill-advised aggression" and that there should be "no ambiguity" about this stance.

He urged Pakistan's "restraint and commitment to peace" not to be mistaken for weakness, emphasizing that any aggression would be met with a "forceful response". Haider Khan urged India to learn from last year's experience, abandon its belligerent posture and dangerous rhetoric, and act responsibly for lasting peace in the region.