Islamabad, October 16,2026: Pakistan on Friday strongly rejected Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s provocative remarks, describing them as a reflection of New Delhi’s “hegemonic mindset” that threatens regional peace and stability.
Addressing the weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that any aggression would be met with a forceful response.
He said the Indian defence minister’s remarks amounted to a threat of aggression against Pakistan and urged New Delhi to abandon dangerous rhetoric.
“Such reckless statements reflect India’s hegemonistic mindset and the risk it poses to regional peace and stability in South Asia,” the spokesperson said.
His remarks came after Rajnath Singh warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would draw a stronger response from India.
Pakistan and India engaged in a military confrontation in May last year after India launched attacks on Pakistan following the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
New Delhi alleged that the attackers were Pakistani nationals, a charge Islamabad rejected. Pakistan also called for a neutral investigation into the incident.
India subsequently carried out missile strikes inside Pakistan, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel. Pakistan responded with military action, claiming to have shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales.
The confrontation ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
During Friday’s briefing, Khan reminded India of the consequences of its military action last year, saying Pakistan had demonstrated its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Let there be no ambiguity, Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any ill-advised aggression,” he said.
The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan’s restraint and commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness, warning that any aggression would invite a forceful response.
He urged India to draw appropriate lessons from last year’s confrontation and act responsibly to ensure lasting peace in the region.
FO digitises apostille services
Separately, the Foreign Office spokesperson said the ministry was digitising and automating its apostille services to improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility.
He said electronic attestation had been launched through the ministry’s online portal, while the transition to electronic apostille services was underway.
Eligible applicants could also be exempted from appearing in person, subject to prescribed safeguards, a step aimed particularly at facilitating overseas Pakistanis.
Khan described the initiative as a “massive leap forward”, adding that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had personally steered the process.
He also said an inquiry into alleged irregularities in attestation services was underway and that its findings would be announced upon completion.
