Pak slams Jaishankar’s ‘bad neighbour’ remark

Pakistan on Saturday criticised External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his remarks about the country, claiming that the comments were made to deflect attention from India’s own “troubling record” of “promoting instability” in the region.

Jaishankar on Friday said India has every right to defend its people when it comes to “bad neighbours” and asserted that a neighbouring country “cannot ask New Delhi to share water if it continues to spread terrorism in the country”. He, however, did not name any country.

“Pakistan firmly rejects the irresponsible assertions made by the Indian External Affairs Minister,” Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a statement.

Backs China’s Op Sindoor claim

Islamabad: Pakistan has backed China’s claim that Beijing played a role in defusing tension with India during Operation Sindoor, calling it “diplomacy for peace” that was part of international efforts. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the leadership of China was in constant touch with the leadership of Pakistan, and “had made certain contacts with the Indian leadership as well in those three-four days from May 6 to 10 and maybe prior to that and after that.” PTI

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He added that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was an international agreement concluded in good faith and at considerable cost, and any unilateral violation would undermine regional stability.

He warned that Pakistan would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights under the treaty.

Andrabi also said, “Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to extend full political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle to realise their right to self-determination.”