Islamabad, March 18, 2026: Pakistan on Wednesday strongly rejected a recent statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, terming it “baseless, misleading, and unwarranted,” amid rising tensions over regional security and counter-terrorism efforts.
In an official response, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said India’s remarks on Pakistan’s actions against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan were unfounded and reflected “blatant hypocrisy and duplicity.”
The spokesperson alleged that India has been actively involved in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil, adding that New Delhi’s statement must be viewed in the context of its historical role as a “spoiler” in the region.
He further criticized India’s domestic and foreign policies, claiming its leadership has remained unaccountable while exploiting Islamophobia for political purposes and failing to protect minority rights. The statement also referenced India’s recent diplomatic positions, accusing it of supporting actions that have resulted in civilian casualties abroad.
“It is preposterous for a state that has historically undermined the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbouring countries to comment on the upholding of such principles,” the spokesperson said, adding that such statements cannot divert attention from India’s policies in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position, the spokesperson emphasized that India continues to deny Kashmiris their right to self-determination in violation of relevant United Nations resolutions.
Pakistan also called on India to refrain from supporting and sponsoring terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory, including those designated under United Nations Security Council sanctions lists. The statement urged India to cease what it described as “misplaced criticism” of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures.
The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
