Pakistan warns India against any misadventure: FO

ISLAMABAD -- Foreign Office Spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan has rejected and condemned the Indian Defence Minister's provocative remarks, entailing a threat of Indian aggression against Pakistan.

Replying to a question at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, he said such reckless statements reflect India's hegemonic mindset. He said India's belligerent posture poses a great risk to regional peace and stability in South Asia. 

The Spokesperson said Pakistan wishes to remind India of the consequences of its military aggression in May last year, when Pakistan demonstrated both its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and gave a befitting response and reply to the Indian aggression.

Sajjad Haider Khan made it clear that Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any ill-advised aggression. He said Pakistan's restraint and commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness, adding that any aggression would be met with a forceful response.

The Spokesperson said India should learn from last year's experience, abandon its belligerent posture and dangerous rhetoric, and act responsibly to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Replying to another question, he said Indian actions of 5th August 2019, dividing the Jammu and Kashmir region in parts, are illegal and void. He said these actions cannot alter the  fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. Its final status  has to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and as per the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Turning to Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Spokesperson said Pakistan strongly condemns the latest terrorist attack by the Houthi militia targeting the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

He said attacks against civilian populations and critical infrastructure are unacceptable and constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability, including under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.