Pakistan Rejects India’s Remarks on Afghanistan Counterterrorism Operations

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan on Wednesday rejected India’s criticism of its counterterrorism operations targeting militant infrastructure inside Afghanistan, describing New Delhi’s remarks as baseless and inconsistent with its own regional record, 24NewsHD TV reported.

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi responded to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Monday, saying it was “ridiculous” for a country with a history of interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours to question Pakistan’s actions.

The spokesperson said India’s conduct had repeatedly undermined the sovereignty and stability of neighbouring countries and was contrary to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

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He further stated that India continued to deny the people of Jammu and Kashmir their right to self-determination, calling it a violation of relevant UN resolutions.

Andrabi also alleged that India had supported and patronised terrorist groups operating against Pakistan from Afghan territory and accused New Delhi of acting as a destabilising force in the region.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to take all necessary measures, in accordance with international law, to safeguard its citizens and national security.

Separately, the Foreign Office confirmed that Pakistan and India had exchanged lists of prisoners through diplomatic channels under the Agreement on Consular Access, signed on May 21, 2008.

Under the agreement, both countries exchange updated lists of prisoners twice a year, on January 1 and July 1.

According to sources, Pakistan provided India with a list of 715 Pakistani prisoners, including 409 civilian detainees and 306 fishermen.

Meanwhile, the head of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad also handed over Pakistan’s Foreign Office a list of Indian prisoners held in Pakistan.