Escalation and Accusations: A Diplomatic Crisis Unfolds
Amid rising military tensions, the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has expressed grave concern over what it called India’s “reckless conduct,” which has brought two nuclear-armed nations dangerously close to a major conflict. This follows a series of escalatory actions taken by New Delhi after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, on April 22, which killed 26 people.
India, without conducting any credible investigation, hastily attributed “cross-border linkages” to the attackers — a claim Pakistan strongly denies. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, speaking at a weekly press briefing, termed India’s actions as a blatant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and accepted norms of interstate relations.
“It is most unfortunate that India’s reckless conduct has brought the two nuclear-armed states closer to a major conflict,” he stated.
The FO also denounced India’s narrative as jingoistic and warned that its war hysteria threatens the peace of a region home to one-fifth of the world’s population.
Disinformation, Drone Strikes & Civilian Casualties
Pakistan reiterated its rejection of any links to the Pahalgam attack and highlighted India’s lack of evidence. Spokesperson Khan also condemned the use of unverified social media posts as justification for military aggression, stating that India is acting as “judge, jury, and executioner.”
He disclosed that Indian airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Pakistan, including a mosque and civilian homes in Muridke, which led to the deaths of at least three civilians. In total, Pakistan claims to have neutralized 77 Indian drones violating its airspace.
Khan emphasized that Indian claims of targeting terrorists were unfounded and instead resulted in the martyrdom of women and children. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“The Pakistani forces did not attack Pahalgam, but the Indian forces did attack multiple locations in Pakistan,” Khan clarified.
Water Weaponization, Historical Revisionism & Regional Stability
The FO also accused India of attempting to “weaponise water” by violating the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the move illegal and unilateral. As an agrarian economy, Pakistan heavily relies on the water flows governed by the treaty, and any disruption would be an attack on its people and economy.
On the diplomatic front, Khan condemned the indecent remarks made by India’s Foreign Secretary, calling them “undiplomatic and historically absurd.” He warned that India’s revisionist stance and hegemonic ambitions are destabilising the region and impeding efforts toward cooperation and peace.
“India remains a permanent factor of instability in the region due to its hegemonic ambitions,” Khan said. “We urge the international community to hold India accountable for its unlawful and belligerent conduct.”
In closing, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to peace and dialogue but made clear that it would defend its sovereignty by all legal means if provoked.
