Islamabad, March 6, 2025: Pakistan on Thursday rejected remarks by the Indian External Affairs Minister on Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that no electoral exercise under the Indian Constitution or economic initiatives imposed by force could replace Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
“Any election held under India’s Constitution cannot serve as a substitute for the right to self-determination. Likewise, the long-standing grievances of the Kashmiri people cannot be addressed through economic activities enforced at gunpoint,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated during his weekly press briefing.
He emphasized that the Indian minister’s remarks misrepresented ground realities and violated international law, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized disputed territory. As per UN Security Council resolutions, its final status must be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under UN supervision.
“India’s distortions cannot change this reality,” Khan asserted, urging India to end its 77-year occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and recognize that a peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
Addressing Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism, Khan confirmed that Pakistan had handed over ISKP’s top-tier terrorist Sharifullah to the United States as part of its longstanding intelligence cooperation.
“Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies have achieved significant successes against terrorism, including ISKP. In line with UN Security Council resolutions 1267 and 1373, we collaborated with the US to apprehend and extradite Sharifullah, reaffirming Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism,” he added.
On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Khan noted that terrorism remains a critical concern, as groups like TTP continue to operate from Afghan territory. Pakistan has consistently urged Afghan authorities to take action against these elements.
Regarding the recent closure of the Torkham border, he dismissed claims of unilateral action by Pakistan, clarifying that the Afghan side had initiated unauthorized construction on Pakistani territory and opened fire on the Pakistan terminal. Despite a border flag meeting, the issue remains unresolved.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will represent Pakistan at the Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah on Thursday. He will reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, call for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories, and advocate for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Separately, Dar received a call from US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, who conveyed President Trump’s appreciation for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ongoing cooperation and welcomed Trump’s decision to withdraw US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan, an issue of concern for Pakistan.
The spokesperson also detailed recent diplomatic discussions between Dar and his counterparts from the UAE, Denmark, and Azerbaijan on strengthening bilateral relations.
Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a threat to the ceasefire agreement.
“This action is part of Israel’s systematic campaign to deny essential aid to millions of Palestinians in dire need,” Khan said, urging the international community to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access and hold Israel accountable for its collective punishment of civilians.
