In a strong response to the India-US joint statement issued after the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, Pakistan has expressed deep disappointment over what it calls a biased and misleading reference against its role in counterterrorism.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the remark as being against diplomatic standards, calling on Islamabad to ensure that its territory is not utilized for cross-border terrorism while holding those responsible for the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks accountable.
Despite Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to cooperate with the US in counterterrorism, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned the inclusion of references particular to Pakistan during a weekly press conference. “We find it surprising that the joint statement made such a reference while ignoring Pakistan’s comprehensive counterterrorism efforts,” he said. Khan further charged that India was employing these diplomatic ploys to divert attention away from its purported abuses of human rights and persecution of minorities.
Additionally, Pakistan voiced concerns over the transfer of military technology to India, stating that such developments could upset the strategic balance in South Asia. “These steps not only accentuate military imbalances but also undermine regional peace and stability,” Khan emphasized.
Pakistan urged the global community to take an impartial stance on issues affecting South Asia and refrain from supporting positions that, in its view, distort the ground realities.
This diplomatic rift highlights the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, with both nations holding starkly different narratives regarding security and regional stability. As international stakeholders continue to engage with both sides, the challenge remains to foster dialogue that promotes peace and cooperation rather than deepening divides.
