Pakistan Rejects Jaishankar Statements in a strong response issued by the Foreign Office (FO) on Saturday, dismissing remarks made by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar as irresponsible assertions. The statement reflects growing diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and highlights long-standing disputes related to terrorism, regional stability, and international agreements.
In its official response, the Foreign Office said India was once again attempting to divert global attention from its own conduct in the region. According to the FO, New Delhi has a troubling record as a neighbour, one that allegedly promotes instability and supports activities that undermine peace in South Asia. Although the FO did not directly quote Dr. Jaishankar, the timing of the statement clearly followed Indian media reports in which he defended India’s right to counter terrorism while referring to bad neighbours.
Background to the Diplomatic Exchange
The FO statement came shortly after reports emerged of Dr. Jaishankar’s presence at an international gathering in Bangladesh, where officials from multiple countries were in attendance. During the event, he reportedly interacted with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. While the interaction itself appeared cordial, the Pakistani Foreign Office chose to focus on what it described as India’s broader pattern of rhetoric and actions rather than isolated diplomatic gestures.
Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements not as a one-off reaction, but as part of a consistent diplomatic narrative. Islamabad maintains that India frequently uses allegations of terrorism to mask its own role in destabilising neighbouring countries. The FO reiterated that such claims are not only misleading but also counterproductive to regional peace.
Allegations of Terrorism and Regional Instability
A central theme of the FO’s response was India’s alleged involvement in activities that Pakistan describes as state-sponsored terrorism. The statement pointed to what it called “documented involvement” by India in supporting militant networks, particularly within Pakistan’s borders. One of the most frequently cited examples in this context is the case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, whom Pakistan accuses of espionage and sabotage.
According to the FO, incidents such as this are not isolated. The statement also referred to alleged extraterritorial actions, covert operations, and the use of proxies, claiming these form a consistent pattern. Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements on terrorism by arguing that India’s own actions contradict its public claims of being a victim of regional insecurity.
Kashmir Dispute Remains Central
Another key issue raised in the FO response was Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan reiterated its long-standing position that India continues what it terms an illegal and violent occupation of the region. The FO reaffirmed Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people, emphasising their right to self-determination under United Nations Security Council resolutions.
By linking Jaishankar’s remarks to the Kashmir issue, Pakistan sought to underline what it sees as a disconnect between India’s international messaging and realities on the ground. Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements, the FO said, because they ignore the core disputes that continue to fuel mistrust and tension in South Asia.
Indus Waters Treaty and International Obligations
The Foreign Office also addressed concerns related to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark water-sharing agreement between the two countries. Pakistan described the treaty as an international agreement concluded in good faith and at significant cost. Any unilateral action by India, the FO warned, would not only undermine regional stability but also damage India’s credibility as a state that claims to respect international law.
Islamabad made it clear that it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights under the treaty. Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements on this front as well, arguing that attempts to politicise or reinterpret the IWT threaten one of the few remaining frameworks of cooperation between the two countries.
Broader Implications for the Region
This latest exchange highlights the fragile state of Pakistan-India relations, which remain burdened by historical disputes and mutual accusations. While both sides continue to engage in international forums, trust remains low, and rhetoric often escalates tensions rather than easing them.
Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements as part of a broader effort to push back against what it views as a narrative that absolves India of responsibility while placing blame solely on its neighbours. Analysts note that such public diplomatic confrontations, while common, reduce space for dialogue and make conflict resolution more difficult.
The Foreign Office’s response underscores Pakistan’s determination to counter statements it sees as misleading or provocative. By raising issues of terrorism, Kashmir, and international treaties, Islamabad aimed to present a comprehensive rebuttal rather than a narrow denial. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, Pakistan rejects Jaishankar statements to reinforce its position that lasting peace in South Asia can only be achieved through honest dialogue, respect for international law, and acknowledgment of unresolved disputes.
