FO says India’s actions reflect belligerence, not evidence-based diplomacy
ISLAMABAD | July 30, 2025 — Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday categorically rejected recent Indian statements concerning the Pahalgam attack and the May military standoff, calling them baseless, provocative, and aimed at misleading the Indian public.
“These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption,” said Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan during a press briefing.
The response follows Indian Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in the Lok Sabha, where he alleged that Indian forces recovered Pakistani voter ID cards and locally made chocolates from the bodies of three alleged attackers in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Indian PM Narendra Modi, in the same session, also denied that any international mediation, including by U.S. President Donald Trump, led to the May ceasefire.
The four-day conflict in May between the nuclear-armed neighbours claimed over 70 lives before Trump publicly declared a ceasefire. The FO dismissed India’s claims as fabricated and politically motivated.
‘India Failed Strategically, Pakistan Succeeded Militarily’
“India attacked Pakistan without verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam attack. The strikes on May 6–7 resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, not terrorists,” Shafqat said.
“India failed to achieve any strategic objectives. In contrast, Pakistan’s success in neutralising Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact,” he asserted.
The spokesperson also called on Indian leaders to acknowledge their own losses and the role of international mediation in halting the conflict — rather than spinning nationalistic narratives.
“India rejected Pakistan’s immediate offer for a transparent international probe into the attack and instead chose aggression over diplomacy,” he added.
Questioning India’s Claims and Timing
Calling India’s so-called Operation Mahadev irrelevant, Shafqat highlighted inconsistencies in New Delhi’s narrative.
“Is it a mere coincidence that the alleged attackers were conveniently killed right at the start of the Lok Sabha debate?” he questioned, pointing to potential political staging.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s outright rejection of India’s talk of a ‘new normal’ in bilateral relations.
“The only ‘normal’ for us is respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to the UN Charter,” he stated.
On Nuclear Blackmail and Water Disputes
Responding to accusations of “nuclear blackmail”, the FO termed it a self-serving narrative designed to mask India’s own escalatory behavior.
“Pakistan deterred Indian aggression through its conventional military capabilities. Our posture remains guided by discipline and restraint,” Shafqat said.
He also condemned India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law and a blow to regional cooperation.
“Instead of glorifying illegal actions, India must return to compliance with treaty obligations,” he stressed.
Pakistan Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
Despite the heated rhetoric, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to peace and regional stability.
“We remain ready for meaningful dialogue to resolve all outstanding disputes — including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir,” Shafqat concluded.
