Speaking at a 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 Singh’s remarks amounted to a threat of military aggression against Pakistan and urged India to abandon what he described as dangerous rhetoric.
“Such reckless statements reflect India’s hegemonistic mindset and the risk it poses to regional peace and stability in South Asia,” Khan said.
His remarks came after Singh warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would draw a stronger response from India.
Pakistan and India fought a military conflict in May last year after India launched strikes on Pakistan following an attack on tourists in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
New Delhi alleged that Pakistanis were involved in the killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam. Islamabad denied the accusation and called for a neutral investigation.
India subsequently carried out missile strikes inside Pakistan, which Islamabad described as unlawful and said resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel.
Pakistan retaliated by claiming to have shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft.
The conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended on May 10 following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Referring to last year’s conflict, Khan said Pakistan had demonstrated its capability and determination 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 warned that Pakistan’s restraint and commitment to peace should not be interpreted as weakness. He urged India to learn from last year’s conflict and act responsibly to ensure lasting regional peace.
FO digitises apostille services
Khan also said the Foreign Office 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. The measures were expected to make the process easier, particularly for overseas Pakistanis.
Khan described the initiative as a “massive leap forward” and said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had personally overseen the process.
He added that an inquiry into alleged irregularities in attestation services was underway, with its findings to be announced after completion.
