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The Government of Pakistan has expressed serious concern over India’s growing military build-up, warning that such actions pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. During a weekly media briefing on Friday, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan criticized India’s escalating arms procurement and reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to respond to any threat.
“Pakistan is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” stated Khan, responding to reports of India planning to acquire advanced drones, missile systems, and other military hardware worth $12.3 billion, allegedly to be used against Pakistan.
The FO also firmly rejected Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the recent attack in Pahalgam, calling the accusations “baseless and lacking credible evidence.” Khan condemned remarks by India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), asserting that no sovereign country can tolerate violations of its territorial integrity. He also dismissed the EAM’s rhetoric about “nuclear blackmail,” calling it a reflection of India’s own insecurities.
Ambassador Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to existing bilateral agreements with India and declared New Delhi’s decision to unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as illegal. He welcomed the ruling by the Court of Arbitration, which he said validated Pakistan’s long-standing position on the matter.
On broader regional issues, the FO spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan maintains strong ties with both the United States and China. He rejected speculation about deteriorating Pakistan-US relations, describing them as historically robust and steadily improving. Regarding China, he reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the One-China Policy, including China’s sovereignty over Tibet.
Addressing regional diplomacy, Khan rejected rumors of an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), clarifying that it was India that had disrupted SAARC’s functioning by blocking the long-delayed summit in Islamabad.
Khan also denied reports of any backchannel meetings between Pakistani and Indian National Security Advisors (NSAs) during the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in China.
When asked about Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Islamabad had taken note of Russia’s reported recognition of the interim Afghan government but clarified that Pakistan has yet to decide on the matter. “It is an issue between two sovereign states,” he said, noting Pakistan’s warm and cooperative relations with Russia.
The FO also strongly condemned the growing trend of Islamophobia in India, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to religious tolerance and minority rights. Ambassador Khan announced that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Islamabad soon, with final dates currently being worked out.
On the issue of prisoners, Pakistan has formally demanded the immediate release and repatriation of Pakistani citizens and fishermen held in Indian jails who have completed their sentences and whose nationalities are confirmed. The FO has requested urgent consular access for all remaining Pakistani detainees, including those with mental or physical disabilities.
“The Indian authorities must ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all Pakistani prisoners in their custody,” Khan stressed. He underscored that addressing humanitarian concerns remains a top priority for the Government of Pakistan, which will continue pushing for the early return of all Pakistani nationals held in India.
In closing, Ambassador Khan said Pakistan prefers diplomacy over confrontation and remains committed to regional peace through dialogue and cooperation.
