Islamabad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (FO) has strongly dismissed remarks made by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar regarding Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) during his session at Chatham House in London. The FO labeled these statements as “baseless claims” and part of a growing pattern of provocative rhetoric from Indian leaders.
“We reject the remarks made by the Indian external affairs minister on Jammu and Kashmir during an event at Chatham House on March 5, 2025. These assertions ignore historical facts, legal principles, and ground realities,” the FO spokesperson stated during a weekly media briefing.
Addressing a journalist’s question on whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would agree to U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation on the Kashmir issue, Jaishankar claimed the dispute would be resolved only after the “return of the stolen part of Kashmir under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.”
The FO spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, with its final status to be determined through a UN-mandated plebiscite. The spokesperson urged India to implement UN Security Council resolutions instead of making “delusional claims” over AJK.
Criticism of Elections and Land Allotments in IIOJK
The FO also dismissed India’s claims about elections in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IIOJK), stating that any electoral process under the Indian constitution cannot replace the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Additionally, Pakistan condemned India’s decision to allocate land in IIOJK to foreign businesses, calling it part of “draconian illegal measures” aimed at altering the region’s demographic and economic landscape.
Pakistan Acknowledges Arrest of Afghan Terrorist Sharifullah
Separately, Pakistan acknowledged the arrest of high-profile Afghan terrorist Sharifullah, calling it an “important development” resulting from ongoing intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
When asked about details of the operation, the FO referred journalists to the Ministry of Interior but confirmed that intelligence collaboration with the U.S. had been ongoing for years.
Regarding reports that Sharifullah had a bounty on his head, the spokesperson dismissed such claims as speculation. The FO also reiterated that Pakistan has a “zero-tolerance policy against terrorism” and works under UN Security Council resolutions to combat terrorist threats, including ISKP.
Trump’s Remarks on Bagram Base and U.S. Weapons in Afghanistan
Commenting on President Trump’s remarks about the Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan, the FO stated that the matter is between the U.S. and Afghanistan. However, Pakistan has expressed concerns over U.S. weapons left behind in Afghanistan, which have reportedly been used by terrorist groups inside Pakistan. Islamabad has urged Washington to take measures to retrieve these weapons to prevent further security threats in the region.
Tensions at Torkham Border
The FO also addressed the ongoing closure of the Torkham border, attributing the tensions to “illegal and unilateral construction activity” by Afghan authorities inside Pakistani territory. Despite Pakistan’s restraint and diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue peacefully, Afghan forces reportedly fired indiscriminately at Pakistani border posts.
Pakistan condemned these provocations and urged Afghanistan’s interim government to engage in peaceful dialogue rather than escalate tensions, warning that the closure of trade routes would worsen economic hardships in Afghanistan.
Pakistan Rejects Taliban’s Allegations on ISKP Camps
Responding to allegations from a Taliban spokesperson that ISKP training camps exist inside Pakistan, the FO categorically rejected the claims, calling them an attempt to deflect attention from the presence of terrorist sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
Khalistan Activists Protest Jaishankar’s London Visit
Meanwhile, Khalistan activists staged a protest outside Chatham House in London during Jaishankar’s visit. Protesters waved flags and chanted slogans, with one activist reportedly tearing an Indian flag near the minister’s convoy. The individual was later taken into custody along with other demonstrators.
Jaishankar’s UK visit, scheduled from March 4 to 9, includes meetings with British officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss bilateral relations.
