ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has slammed alleged statements from India’s army chief that his forces were ready to face its South Asian neighbor and China at the same time.
Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit said Indian Chief of Army Staff General Deepak Kapoor’s statement carried “hostile intent as well as a hegemonic and jingoistic mindset which is quite out of step with the realities of our time.
“No one should ever underestimate our capability and determination to foil any nefarious designs against the security of Pakistan,” he said at his weekly briefing.
Basit called on the international community to take notice of Kapoor’s claims, adding Pakistan remained mindful of the threats posed to its security as well as the importance of promoting peace in South Asia.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s policy that the two South Asian nations resolve their outstanding disputes only through peaceful negotiations.
The spokesman declined to comment on alleged Indian interference in Balochistan and Waziristan regions, adding any evidence would be shared at more appropriate time.
He also added Pakistan’s Ministry of Minorities was dealing with a claim from the Indian Sikh community on Gurdwara land in Lahore in coordination with the Indian government.
He added 6,000 Afghan students were being provided with educational support in Pakistan, as part of the country’s wish to see peace in Afghanistan.
Pakistan also supports the presence of US troops in Afghanistan even though there have been disagreements between the two countries on drone strikes. Two missiles from suspected US drones killed at least 14 people in northwest Pakistan.
“We have had some differences with the United States on the issue of drone strikes, but these issues will be sorted out through talks,” Basit added.
He also said Pakistan had not decided to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans nuclear explosions, despite India hinting it would seriously consider signing if the US and China took a lead on the issue.
