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

The Foreign Office (FO) issued a strong condemnation on Friday of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s “provocative remarks,” which the FO characterized as a threat of aggression against Pakistan. Singh had warned on Thursday that Pakistan would face a strike as severe as the previous one if it engaged in any “fresh terrorist activity” from across the border.

FO spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan addressed the comments during a weekly press briefing on Friday. Khan emphasized that Pakistan rejects and condemns the Indian defence minister’s remarks, stating that such reckless statements demonstrate India’s “hegemonistic mindset” and pose a threat to regional peace and stability in South Asia.

Khan reminded India of the consequences of its military aggression in May of the previous year, when Pakistan demonstrated its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Khan reiterated that Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any “ill-advised aggression” and cautioned that there should be “no ambiguity” that Pakistan is ready to defend itself.

He urged Pakistan’s “restraint and commitment to peace” not to be mistaken for weakness and warned that any aggression would be met with a “forceful response.” Khan emphasized that India should draw the appropriate lesson from last year’s experience, abandon its belligerent posture and dangerous rhetoric, and act responsibly for lasting peace in the region.