Pakistan strongly rebuffed India’s recent criticism of its counterterrorism operations conducted within Afghan territory, labeling the accusations as both baseless and hypocritical. On Saturday, the Foreign Office spokesperson, Tahir Hussain Andrabi, responded firmly to the statements issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, dismissing them as absurd and unwarranted. He emphasized that Pakistan’s actions are legitimate, targeted, and precise efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and support networks operating from Afghanistan.
Andrabi highlighted that India’s own track record in the region undermines its credibility to comment on Pakistan’s security measures. He pointed out that New Delhi has a long history of backing terrorist groups, blatantly disregarding international norms and laws. Specifically, he named groups such as Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan, which India allegedly supports from Afghan soil to destabilize Pakistan. This, he argued, explains India’s frustration and hostile rhetoric following Pakistan’s successful operations against these terror outfits.
Moving beyond the immediate issue, the spokesperson also condemned India for its ongoing human rights violations, particularly in the disputed territory of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He accused India of flagrantly violating the United Nations Charter and multiple Security Council resolutions by maintaining an illegal occupation and engaging in state-sponsored terrorism against the Kashmiri population. Andrabi’s remarks underscored the broader context of India’s regional conduct, which Pakistan views as aggressive and destabilizing.
Furthermore, Andrabi criticized India’s internal policies, describing them as driven by an extremist Hindutva ideology that marginalizes religious minorities and fuels Islamophobia across the country. He also accused India of weaponizing natural resources, including water, in violation of bilateral treaties, thereby exacerbating tensions with neighboring states. him, India’s disruptive role extends beyond Pakistan and Afghanistan, affecting the stability of the entire South Asian region.
Addressing India’s legitimacy to issue statements on Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, Andrabi was unequivocal in rejecting New Delhi’s moral authority. He urged India to cease its interference and refrain from using Afghan territory as a base to foment terrorism inside Pakistan. The spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and protecting its citizens through all necessary measures, firmly grounded in international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s Foreign Office made it clear that it will continue to pursue decisive actions against terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan, regardless of external criticism. The government remains resolute in safeguarding national security and regional peace, while calling on India to abandon its destabilizing policies and respect international legal frameworks.
