Pakistan today characterized a recent pronouncement by the Indian Defence Minister as a provocative threat to regional peace, asserting that it has raised alarms among organizations dedicated to security, stability, and international law.
During his weekly media briefing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Ambassador Tahir Andrabi, described the Indian minister”s remarks as “deeply troubling.” He welcomed opposing statements from other quarters and urged India to refrain from issuing such declarations, warning of “very grave consequence[s]” for the wider security of the region and beyond.
Addressing a separate issue, Andrabi expressed grave concern over New Delhi”s failure to share data as stipulated by the Indus Water Treaty, labeling the action a violation of the pact.
He added that the rhetoric emerging from India, which accompanies this treaty violation, significantly points towards the “weaponization of water,” constituting a breach of international law, particularly international humanitarian law.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson also clarified the nature of the ceasefire with Afghanistan, stating it does not equate to a traditional truce implemented between two warring states.
Andrabi explained the arrangement implied that there would be no terrorist attacks launched into Pakistan by “Afghan sponsored terrorist proxies.”
He noted, however, that major terrorist attacks have occurred since the understanding was reached. “Interpreting in that sense, the ceasefire is not holding because the ceasefire was about ceasing terrorist attacks inside Pakistan by TTP, Fitna- al-Khawarij, and Afghan nationals using Afghan soil,” Andrabi stated.
The ambassador elaborated that Pakistan cannot be optimistic about the ceasefire”s effectiveness when Afghan nationals are involved in attacks, as seen in Islamabad and other locations.
Ambassador Tahir Andrabi made it clear that Pakistan”s security forces remain fully alert to any threat from Afghanistan. He affirmed that the country”s military preparedness is robust and that all security challenges will be addressed with the seriousness they merit.