Foreign Office says the rhetoric in the statements emanating from India is regrettable.
At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan, said at a time of heightened tensions in the region, it is highly imprudent to indulge in this kind of rhetoric, which is inflammatory and provocative.
He said Pakistan has cautioned India on repeated occasions to desist from this.
Regarding the ceasefire understanding with India, the Spokesperson said Pakistan remains committed to ceasefire announced on 10th of this month.
He said both sides have taken steps for de-escalation and return of stability. However, he said, Pakistan has made it clear that it will respond in a befitting manner in case India takes any aggressive action against Pakistan once again.
He said Pakistan is committed to make this ceasefire continue to hold for de-escalation to succeed. But if this rhetoric poses any threat, Pakistan’s armed forces are ready to deal with any eventuality.
Replying to a question regarding Kartarpur Corridor, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan has never closed Kartarpur Corridor despite recent hostilities with India but Indian side is not allowing pilgrims to avail the Corridor facility since 7th of this month. He said Pakistan is ready to welcome Indian pilgrims.
Turning to situation in Palestine, Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan condemns in the strongest possible terms the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, as well as deliberate targeting of hospitals and other critical infrastructure, along with mass evacuation orders.
He said the expansion of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, as well as its announcement to “take control of all” of Gaza, poses a grave threat to efforts aimed towards achieving peace and stability in the region.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan reiterates its call on the international community for an immediate end to Israel’s genocidal campaign, and to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
He said Pakistan reiterates its unequivocal opposition to any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their ancestral lands, expand illegal Israeli settlements or to annex any part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
