Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addresses regional security and the Kashmir dispute.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has rejected recent remarks by India’s defence minister, saying political rhetoric cannot change the internationally recognised legal status of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement on X, Asif said the Indian minister’s comments attempted to distort established legal realities. He added that such remarks would neither change the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) nor promote peace or dialogue in the region.
Asif said Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognised disputed territory. He added that the people of Kashmir must decide its future under the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.
The defence minister also rejected India’s allegations against Pakistan. He claimed the accusations lacked credibility and accused India of fuelling instability in South Asia through its policies.
He warned that inflammatory statements from Indian leaders could increase tensions between the two neighbours. However, he said Pakistan remains committed to peace and dialogue.
Asif stressed that Pakistan will continue to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
He also claimed the latest statements from the Indian leadership were meant to divert attention from India’s domestic political challenges, growing public unrest and the government’s internal issues.
