Islamabad, May 16, 2025: Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of conflicts but will not compromise on its sovereignty and national dignity, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Friday.
“While Pakistan advocates peace, we reserve the right to respond to aggression,” the spokesperson stated, reiterating the country’s position following recent hostilities with India. “It was India that pushed the region to the brink of war.”
Khan said Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression—Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos—demonstrated its resolve and military preparedness. As part of the operation, the Pakistan Armed Forces shot down six Indian fighter jets, he added.
He expressed gratitude to friendly nations for their diplomatic efforts, which contributed to the ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbours last week, after what has been described as the most intense military confrontation in decades.
The FO’s remarks come in the aftermath of a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in April, which left 26 people dead. India blamed Pakistan for orchestrating the attack—a charge Islamabad firmly denies.
“India launched this war based on baseless allegations,” Khan said. “Pakistan responded decisively, and we will continue to defend our sovereignty with full force if provoked again.”
Addressing the issue of terrorism, the spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan has long been a victim of terrorism and understands its devastating impact. However, he alleged that India has played an active role in promoting terrorism inside Pakistan.
“India has not only supported terrorist elements within Pakistan but has also been involved in orchestrating assassination plots beyond our borders,” Khan claimed. “We have concrete evidence of India’s involvement and will continue to present our case on international platforms.”
He added that Pakistan has no objection to discussing terrorism in global forums and welcomes a permanent and transparent resolution of the issue.
Concluding his remarks, the FO spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy: “We believe in resolving disputes through peaceful means, but let there be no doubt—Pakistan will safeguard its sovereignty and national interests at all costs.”
