Post-Pahalgam situation: Heads of Mission and diplomats briefed
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch briefed a group of Islamabad-based Heads of Mission and diplomats on the evolving situation following Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson said on Thursday that the foreign secretary shared the outcomes of the National Security Committee meeting.
She rejected Indian misinformation campaign against Pakistan and said that such tactics would obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region.
The foreign secretary underscored that Pakistan has always rejected terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
She also cautioned against Indian attempts to escalate tensions and reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to counter any misadventure.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Jaishankar's ‘terroristan' remark overlooks India's own role in regional instability, aggression
Listen to article Amid a long history of rouge acts of aggression, terrorism and preemptive assaults on Pakistan. Now India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar committed another verbal attack on Pakistan as calling it 'terroristan'. Speaking at a joint press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday alongside European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Jaishankar said, 'I'd like you to understand this is not a conflict between two states per se,' Jaishankar said. 'This is actually a response to the threat and the practice of terrorism. So, I would urge you to make it. Don't think of it as India or Pakistan; think of it as India–Terroristan. You will then appreciate it,' he added. The remarks are among the strongest in recent months by a senior Indian official and come amid heightened diplomatic tensions. However, India has a long history of intervention, igniting armed conflict and even producing a shadow army during 1971 war. India's current Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has openly acknowledged the country's policy of targeting peoples beyond its borders, reinforcing long-suspected claims of cross-border operations. In a TV interview, Singh stated, 'If any terrorist tries to disturb India… and escapes to Pakistan, we will go there to kill him,' describing the strategy as approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statement comes in the wake of a recent Guardian report about India's involvement in up to 20 extrajudicial killings in Pakistan since 2020. While India's Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed the report as 'false and malicious propaganda,' Singh's remarks appear to contradict that denial, casting new light on India's covert terror doctrine. On the other hand, The Indian agency RAW, was finally drawn out of shadows last year when it assassinated pro-Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. Delhi was in denial – but not for long. The US ambassador in Ottawa was quick to confirm there was shared intelligence among the 'Five Eyes' partners that helped Canada unravel Nijjar's murder mystery. This was followed by another explosive revelation. The FBI thwarted an Indian plot to assassinate another pro-freedom Sikh leader on American soil. It was learnt that the US informed some allies about the plot following Nijjar's murder. Both former prime minister Justin Trudeau and Ex-president Joe Biden took up the blatant violation of sovereignty by Indian agents with Delhi at the top level. Hate speech, minorities and Islamophobia In March 2024, more than 20 UN experts signed a joint statement urging India to "end attacks against minorities" in the run-up to national elections. Since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, India has seen numerous outbreaks of violence between majority Hindus and its 200-million-strong Muslim minority. Instances of hate speech against minorities in India such as Muslims increased 74% in 2024, a Washington-based research group said reported in 2025, with incidents ballooning around last year's national elections. In 2022, a study by the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) found that Twitter users in India are responsible for 55.12% of anti-Muslim content on the platform. The report highlights a strong link between surges in online Islamophobia and major global events involving Muslims, such as protests, terror attacks, and regional conflicts. Pakistan's irrefutable evidence During a press conference last month in Rawalpindi, Director General ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry revealed that Indian army officers are sponsoring terror operations in Pakistan, supplying explosives, IEDs, and funds to militants targeting civilians and security forces. 'This irrefutable evidence is just one small part of India's state-sponsored terrorism,' Chaudhry said. Citing the arrest of a Pakistani suspect on April 25 near the Jhelum bus stand, DG ISPR informed the individual was trained and funded by Indian handlers. Authorities recovered an IED, Indian-origin drone, and large sums of cash. 'Forensic analysis of the retrieved materials confirmed irrefutable evidence, verifiable by any credible independent agency,' he added. Chaudhry named several Indian army personnel — including Major Sandeep Verma and Subedar Sukhwinder — as handlers, claiming they provided instructions for assembling and planting explosives, including a deadly attack in Jalalpur Jattan that killed four Pakistani soldiers. He also called out Indian media for spreading 'blatant propaganda' following incidents involving explosives and dismissed allegations against Pakistan over the recent Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. 'Seven days have passed since the Pahalgam incident, and so far, India has not presented any evidence for its baseless allegations,' he said. Kulbhushan Jadhav case On March 3, 2016, Pakistani intelligence agencies achieved a monumental success by arresting Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, marking a significant milestone in the fight against terrorism and exposing India's involvement in state-sponsored terrorism. Following his arrest, Pakistani intelligence agencies uncovered Jadhav's extensive terrorist network, which was responsible for targeting innocent Pakistani lives. During interrogation, Jadhav confessed to carrying out operations in Pakistan under the direct orders of the Indian government and RAW. In conclusion, Jaishankar's recent remark, labelling Pakistan as 'terroristan,' exposes a glaring irony, given India's own extensive history of covert operations, cross-border violence, and state-sponsored terrorism. While India continues to deflect accusations and blame Pakistan, the undeniable evidence of Indian involvement in extrajudicial killings, support for militant activities, and assassination plots against its own citizens abroad paints a starkly different picture. The remarks by Indian officials only serve to highlight the hypocrisy at play, with India's foreign policy and actions contradicting its rhetoric. As the global community becomes increasingly aware of these covert operations, India's attempts to project itself as the moral high ground in the region ring hollow.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Newer world order in Trump era — and Pakistan
Listen to article After President Donald Trump's second coming to the Oval Office, the US ways, means and ends of foreign policy are witnessing a transformation. The evolving 'Newer World Order', though dynamic and transitory, needs to be understood. Deciphering President Trump's speeches, announcements, presidential orders, tweets and utterances of last five months, it can be concluded that "trade and tariffs" are the principle means of his interstate relations philosophy. He is well focused at realising his electioneering slogan 'Make America Great Again', for which he is trying to rejuvenate the US economy, bring FDI, reinvigorate the industrial sector, create more jobs, secure US homeland against crimes and illegal immigration, save on extra expenditure made overseas, shift responsibility of defence to self-help by partners and collect more tariffs on imports to reduce taxes on American citizens. His major worry appears to be the back-breaking US debt of trillions of dollars. This approach has been well reflected in his visit to the Middle East where he was successful in securing trillions of dollars of investments and billions of dollars of sales in defence, technology and aviation sectors. Trump portrays himself as anti-war, but perhaps he is for short military showdowns, trade wars and employment of economic coercion to attain his policy ends. Manifestation of this approach was also seen during the last month's Indian aggression against Pakistan, and Pakistan's effective and successful counter offensive. He has reiterated multiple times the role played by him and the US secretary of state in brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. It is inferred that, during his presidency, US interstate relations shall be increasingly woven around trade and economy, rather than security. Trump desires to go down in the history as an American President who helped stop major conflicts in the world, and took his country out of colossal debt and deficit. Trump is likely to help bring peace in the Middle East and work for 'two-state solution' to realise his dream of 'Abraham Accords'. KSA and Turkey are also playing a role in his peace efforts. Lifting of sanctions on Syria, meeting with the Syrian president and expression of hope that a deal could be reached with Iran are positive indicators. Iran is expected to be pragmatic as well. President Trump is ardently working for a ceasefire in Ukraine, and get closer to Russia — perhaps to forestall Russia and China getting into an unmanageable alliance. Though a priority, containment of China may retake shape of 'Congagemnent' during his tenure. China making great strides in high-end technology would wish to maintain pace of its comprehensive rise by avoiding conflicts and developing a good working relationship with the US. However, to protect its interests, China is expected to remain assertive in all domains. The US is likely to continue trade with China, but on more favourable terms. Important fact is that finding an alternative to high quality Chinese products on cost effective rates for US consumers in short term may not be possible. China has been a trusted ally of Pakistan. The China-Pakistan friendship bond has gained newer heights during the May 2025 Pak-India War. Pakistan's grit and tenacity and its courageous, swift, skilful, comprehensive and lethal response to the Indian aggression must have impressed the friends and foes alike. At this point in time, Pakistan and China, their people and militaries are closer than ever before. China will continue to support Pakistan unequivocally. This relationship is likely to experience stress due to the enduring US-China competition. It is important that an understanding is developed in the western capitals that for Pakistan, in the absence of any alternative, the only choice for realising ends of its comprehensive 'National Security Policy' that is predicated on geo-economics, remains the People's Republic of China. The recent China-Pakistan-Afghanistan tripartite meeting and PM Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Turkiye, Iran and Azerbaijan — aimed at conveying gratitude for their support during the Indian aggression, reaffirming the closer relation and expanding the ties to make the mutually beneficial friendship even stronger — is a step in right direction. The warm welcome and pleasant exchanges reflect mutual desires to strengthen the exiting bonds. The second tripartite meeting held between Pakistan, Turkiye and Azerbaijan at Lachin in Azerbaijan further manifests the growing understanding between Pakistan and the regional countries. The PM and his delegation also visited Tajikistan to strengthen the bilateral cooperation in multifaceted areas. Russia and Pakistan are getting closer too, which is being seen as a very positive development. Pakistan has sent delegations to various countries of the world to forge an understanding in the comity of nations to communicate Pakistan's position on perpetuating Indian arrogance and aggressiveness as against Pakistan's desire for enduring peace and stability in the region. Pakistan has been making efforts to develop good relations with all the neighbours, including India. Unfortunately, Indian intransigence remained a hurdle. The impasse seems to have been broken by the short but intense May 2025 War, imposed on Pakistan by the rash Indian leadership, and the ceasefire sought by India through the US. President Trump has expressed his willingness to help resolve the Kashmir dispute by convening a Pakistan-India meeting in some third country — something that is being considered a silver lining. The global milieu engenders quest to forge peace and enhance trade instead of war. Pakistan should continue trying to avoid conflicts and have good relations with all the countries, including India. The US president's promise of mediation must be pursued for resolution of the Kashmir dispute, reversal of Indian announcement of holding IWT in abeyance and restoration of special status of IIOJK. Very good relations with China, the US, the UK, EU, Gulf states, Turkiye, Afghanistan and Iran warrant added focus by Pakistan. Connectivity is the way forward for mutually beneficial socio-economic development and societal emancipation.
Express Tribune
3 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India's unilateral suspension of IWT could destabilise regional peace: Bilawal
Pakistani delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto with All Party Parliamentary Group and cross-party British parliamentarians on June 10. Photo : Listen to article Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, head of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation to the United Kingdom, has firmly rejected India's allegations against Pakistan, calling them baseless and unsupported by credible evidence, following the recent Pahalgam incident. After successfully completing their visit to the United States, the Pakistani delegation arrived in the United Kingdom on Sunday to present Pakistan's stance on Indian aggression. The nine-member group held talks with United Nations representatives, diplomats from member states, and senior US officials in an effort to present Pakistan's narrative on the recent Pakistan-India conflict and advocate for peace in South Asia. At Westminster, led Pakistan HL Delegation to brief the UK APPG on Pakistan, grateful to Chair @YasminQureshiMP and cross-party MPs for the candid exchange. We shared grave concerns over India's unprovoked aggression, violations of our sovereignty, and the unilateral & illegal… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 10, 2025 Speaking at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Pakistan, hosted by Member of Parliament Yasmin Qureshi at Westminster Palace in London on Tuesday, Bilawal addressed cross-party British parliamentarians, briefing them on Pakistan's stance. "Indian attacks on civilians, violations of Pakistan's sovereignty, and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty could lead to dangerous consequences for regional and international peace," Bilawal said. He criticised India's unilateral actions and urged a renewed commitment to peace and dialogue. "We are committed to a calibrated, responsible response in line with international law, particularly the right to self-defence under the UN Charter," he affirmed. He stressed Pakistan's dedication to restraint and called for a renewed dialogue, focusing on all outstanding issues, notably the Kashmir dispute. Together with Pakistan's high-level delegation, I called on Speaker @LindsayHoyle_MP at the historic Speaker's House. We underscored the urgent need for peace in South Asia and highlighted the unfinished agenda of the partition, Jammu & Kashmir dispute. Raised serious concerns… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 10, 2025 In his meeting with Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, former foreign minister expressed Pakistan's concerns over India's unwarranted military strikes against civilians and the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He urged for the protection of the sanctity of international treaties and warned against the "weaponisation of water." The delegation emphasised that sustainable peace in South Asia could only be achieved through a just resolution of the Kashmir issue, as outlined by the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. The Speaker of the House of Commons acknowledged the longstanding, cordial relations between the UK and Pakistan and reiterated the UK's commitment to peace and stability in the region. Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Malik also highlighted the environmental dangers posed by India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned of significant threats to food security and the livelihoods of Pakistan's 240 million people, particularly in its agrarian economy. The facts need to matter ... — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 10, 2025 Senior leader of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and member of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation visiting the United Kingdom, Senator Sherry Rehman, also reiterated that Pakistan is committed to promoting peace and reducing tensions in the region. In an interview with Sky News, Rehman emphasised that while Pakistan seeks peace, it should not be perceived as a sign of weakness. "We do not want regional conflicts to escalate into crises, but our desire for peace should not be mistaken as vulnerability," she said. She clarified that Pakistan's diplomatic engagements in the United States and the United Kingdom aim to ensure the international community receives an accurate portrayal of the situation. "The purpose of our diplomatic visits is to keep the facts intact and provide a truthful account of events," she said, highlighting Pakistan's active role in international dialogue. Read More: Bilawal warns Pakistan-India war threshold at 'historic low' Addressing the recent tensions with India, Rehman described the conflict as unnecessary and unprovoked, attributing its origins to Indian actions. She also criticised certain Indian media outlets for exacerbating tensions by spreading misinformation and aligning with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist agenda. "These media outlets are stoking war rhetoric and propagating false reports," she said. Senior PPP leader also drew attention to Pakistan's significant counter-terrorism efforts, acknowledging that the country faces one of the highest rates of terrorist attacks globally. She affirmed that Pakistan continues to work tirelessly to combat terrorism and ensure regional stability. "Pakistan is committed to peace and security, and we are doing everything in our power to counter terrorism and promote stability in the region," she concluded. Read More: PM assigns Bilawal to lead peace delegation After ceasefire with India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Bilawal to lead a high-level delegation tasked with presenting 'Pakistan's case for peace' on recent Indian aggression to the international community. The committee aims to engage with global leaders and institutions to raise awareness about India's actions and Pakistan's concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. The government has also planned to send additional delegations to other countries as part of a broader diplomatic outreach.
