Pakistan Rejects Modi’s “Baseless” Allegations, Vows Decisive Response to Aggression

ISLAMABAD – May 23, 2025 – Pakistan has unequivocally rejected what it termed as “baseless, provocative, and irresponsible allegations” made by the Indian Prime Minister during a recent public address in Rajasthan. In a strong statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that the Indian leader’s remarks, “replete with distortions, misrepresentations, and inflammatory rhetoric,” were clearly designed to escalate regional tensions for “narrow political gains.”

The statement underscored that such utterances not only represent a “deliberate attempt to mislead the public” but also constitute a flagrant violation of the “norms of responsible statecraft.” Pakistan condemned the Indian Premier’s resort to “threats and boasting about military action against a sovereign nation” as a “grave breach of the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law,” warning that this “dangerous approach undermines regional peace and stability.”

Pakistan’s Unwavering Stance on Terrorism and Kashmir

Reaffirming its consistent and proactive role in the global fight against terrorism, Pakistan dismissed any insinuation linking it to acts of terrorism as “factually incorrect and patently misleading.” The Foreign Office characterized such accusations as a “tactic often employed to divert attention from India’s own internal challenges, as well as its repressive policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).”

The statement emphasized that India’s efforts to obscure its severe human rights violations in IIOJK are “well-documented and well-recognized by the international community.” It firmly reiterated that “the plight of the Kashmiri people and their just struggle for self-determination cannot be obscured by aggressive rhetoric and political deflection.”

A Call for Responsibility and Restraint

Pakistan urged the Indian leadership to “exercise responsibility and restraint,” cautioning that “escalatory statements and belligerent posturing serve no purpose other than exacerbating tensions.” Instead of resorting to “fictitious narratives and warmongering for electoral mileage,” Pakistan called on India to “demonstrate maturity by resolving outstanding disputes through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy.”

While reiterating its firm commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and constructive engagement, Pakistan warned against misinterpreting its desire for peace as weakness. The Ministry affirmed that “the people of Pakistan and its armed forces are fully prepared and capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It concluded with a stern warning: “Any misadventure or aggression will be met with a resolute and proportionate response. Pakistan has demonstrated its resolve in the past and will do so again, if required.”

The Foreign Office appealed to the international community to “take serious note of India’s aggressive posture and hate-driven narratives that threaten regional peace.” It stressed the imperative to “discourage such rhetoric and actions to preserve stability in South Asia,” emphasizing that “glorification of conflict benefits no one, and the path to lasting peace lies in dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.”

Prime Minister Engages with Iranian and Egyptian Presidents

In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held telephone conversations with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

During these calls, the Prime Minister “strongly condemned India’s unprovoked attacks against Pakistan that led to martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women and children.” He underscored Pakistan’s “valiant Armed Forces’ responsible, measured yet befitting and forceful reply to the enemy,” reaffirming Pakistan’s “firm resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs.”

Prime Minister Sharif also expressed concern over India’s attempt to unilaterally hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, stressing that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the “root cause of instability in South Asia.”

Beyond bilateral concerns, the discussions extended to developments in the Middle East, particularly the “alarming situation in Gaza.” The Prime Minister urged the international community to ensure “consistent and timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza” and expressed hope that the upcoming UN Conference on the Two-State Solution next month would “yield meaningful outcomes.”

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister’s Crucial China Visit

Further highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar undertook an official visit to Beijing from May 19 to 21, 2025, at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister Dar held “in-depth discussions” with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Liu Jianchao, focusing on “the evolving regional situation in South Asia and its implications for peace and stability.”

A significant development during the visit was an informal trilateral meeting involving Deputy Prime Minister Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi. Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held a bilateral meeting with Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi in Beijing, signifying ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges.

Rejection of “Shaheen Missile” Claims and Golden Temple Allegations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs firmly rejected what it called “unfounded allegations circulating in certain segments of the Indian media,” which falsely claimed that Pakistan employed the Shaheen missile during ‘Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos (BM)’.

These claims, the Ministry stated, originated following the release of a video by the Indian Army’s official Twitter handle, purportedly showing the use of Pakistan’s Shaheen missile. “Upon realizing that the claim was unsubstantiated, the Indian Army promptly deleted the misleading video,” the Foreign Office noted. However, it regrettable added that “by then, sections of the Indian media had already amplified the false narrative without verification. Regrettably, some Indian outlets continue to propagate this misinformation.”

Pakistan condemned the dissemination of “unverified and inflammatory content,” asserting that it “not only undermines regional stability but also reflects poorly on the professionalism of official institutions.”

Furthermore, Pakistan “categorically rejected” allegations that it attempted to target the Golden Temple, the most revered place in the Sikh faith. “We hold all places of worship in the highest esteem and cannot think of targeting a holy site like the Golden Temple,” the Ministry affirmed. It pointed out that “it was India that targeted different places of worship in Pakistan in the intervening night of May 6 and 7, 2025,” stating that “the allegations leveled by the Indian side cannot shift attention from this unacceptable act.”

Pakistan highlighted its role as “the proud custodian of many holy sites of the Sikh faith,” welcoming “thousands of Sikh pilgrims from across the world” every year and providing “visa-free access to the Gurdwara Sahib Kartarpur through the Kartarpur Corridor.” In this context, it deemed “any claim concerning Pakistan’s attempt to target the Golden Temple as absolutely baseless and incorrect.”

Condemnation of Israeli Aggression in Gaza

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of the “continued Israeli aggression in Gaza,” which has resulted in “the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, as well as deliberate targeting of hospitals and other critical infrastructure, along with mass evacuation orders.”

Pakistan warned that the “expansion of Israeli ground operations in Gaza, as well as its announcement to ‘take control of all’ of Gaza, poses a grave threat to efforts aimed towards achieving peace and stability in the region.” It also condemned Israel’s continued “deliberate obstruction of critical humanitarian aid from reaching millions in dire need.”

Pakistan reiterated its call on the international community for “an immediate end to Israel’s genocidal campaign, and to ensure a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.” It urged “concrete steps towards provision of unimpeded humanitarian supplies to millions of Palestinians in dire need, as well as to hold Israel accountable for its egregious crimes.” Moreover, Pakistan reaffirmed its “unequivocal opposition to any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their ancestral lands, expand illegal Israeli settlements or to annex any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

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Q&A Session Highlights Pakistan’s Positions

The subsequent Q&A session with the media provided further insights into Pakistan’s diplomatic and security posture.

On India’s Belligerent Rhetoric and Ceasefire:

Responding to a question from Muhammad Saleh Zaafir of The News about the impact of India’s belligerent statements on the ceasefire, the Spokesperson fully agreed that such rhetoric is “highly imprudent” and “inflammatory and provocative” at a time of heightened regional tensions. “We have cautioned India on repeated occasions to desist from this,” the Spokesperson stated. While confirming the ceasefire is holding and Pakistan’s full commitment to it, the Spokesperson added, “We are engaging in the whole process in good faith. We approach this with positivity and are committed to make this ceasefire continue to hold, de-escalation to succeed and then engagement to lead to stability and resolution of issues.” However, the Spokesperson issued a clear warning: “if this rhetoric is a prelude to any threat in the region, our armed forces are ready to deal with any eventuality.”

On Prime Minister’s Expected Visit to Iran:

Regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s expected visit to Iran, the Spokesperson stated that an official statement would be issued “in due course.” The Spokesperson noted that Pakistan has been actively engaging with all friendly countries, including Iran, “which is a friend and an important neighbor,” keeping them informed about regional developments, similar to outreach with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and the GCC.

On Indus Waters Treaty and Human Rights in IIOJK:

Addressing the persistent issue of water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty, raised by Raziq Mahmood Bhatti of Daily Kashmir Express, the Spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s “principled position.” “There is no provision in the Indus Water Treaty which can allow for suspension or abrogation of the Treaty unilaterally,” the Spokesperson asserted, adding that Pakistan would “continue to work with the international community to highlight the perils involved in India pursuing this course of action” and “ensure Pakistan continues to receive its rightful share of the water under the Indus Water Treaty.”

On the worsening human rights situation in IIOJK, particularly after the recent “Pahalgam incident,” the Spokesperson acknowledged that “human rights violations in IIOJK are becoming increasingly visible to the international community.” Pakistan has been “highlighting this issue” and will “continue to raise these issues, highlight the gravity of human rights violations in IIOJK to the International Community.”

Anwer Abbas of 24 News HD inquired about the possibility of Pakistan approaching the World Bank as a guarantor for the Indus Waters Treaty. The Spokesperson confirmed that the “Government of Pakistan” would approach the World Bank if required, emphasizing that there is “no legal provision in the treaty which allows any of the parties to abrogate it unilaterally or suspend or amend. This is completely illegal on India’s part.”

When pressed by Anas Mallick of Capital TV about invoking Article 9 of the Treaty for arbitration, the Spokesperson stated, “things are under discussion. We will share details once finalized.”

On Committee under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari:

Regarding the mandate and details of the committee constituted by the Prime Minister under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to address Pak-India tensions, the Spokesperson stated that the “decision has been taken in principle but there are certain details which are currently being worked out in terms of the logistics, dates, timings etc.” The Spokesperson promised to share details “as soon as details are firmed up.” Later, addressing a follow-up about a potential bifurcation of the committee, the Spokesperson reiterated, “As I explained earlier also during the briefing, we are working on it. Things are being firmed up. As soon as it is finalized and settled, we will brief you.”

On Kartarpur Corridor Status:

Addressing a crucial question from Azaz Syed of Geo News about the Kartarpur Corridor, the Spokesperson clarified, “Pakistan has never closed the Kartarpur corridor despite recent hostilities with India.” However, the Spokesperson highlighted, “the Indian side is not allowing pilgrims to avail the pilgrimage facility since May 7, 2025.” Pakistan “always, we are ready to welcome the pilgrims from the Indian side. As far as Pakistan is concerned, Kartarpur corridor stays open.”

On Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations and Trilateral Meeting:

Tahir Khan of NNI News Agency inquired about the “due process” for upgrading relations with Afghanistan following the DPM/FM’s remarks. The Spokesperson explained that it “requires our own internal consultations. Inter-Ministerial Consultations are ongoing.” The Spokesperson added that “the Embassies in both capitals are working at the level of Charge d’ Affairs and diplomatic channels are open. The two Governments are in touch with each other at multiple levels.”

Shaukat Piracha of Aaj News followed up, asking if sending full ambassadors would equate to recognition of the Taliban Government. The Spokesperson noted this was a “hypothetical question at this point in time,” but confirmed that “the two sides in principle have agreed to elevate the relations.” However, “we need a bit of more time for inter-ministerial consultations,” and the Spokesperson would need to consult the legal division before answering whether this equates to recognition.

On US Role in De-escalation and Trade:

Responding to Memoona Saleem of Khyber News about President Trump’s comments on the US role in de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions and trade negotiations, the Spokesperson stated, “we welcome that it has played a very positive and important role in managing these hostilities when the region was at the cusp of a very dangerous situation.” Pakistan appreciates “the proactive role played by President Trump and his administration in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.” Pakistan “remains committed to faithful implementation of ceasefire, notwithstanding the violations being committed by India in terms of the rhetoric, the spirit of the ceasefire, but we remain committed.”

On trade, the Spokesperson noted that the “United States, even before the crisis, was our biggest export destination,” and “historically, it has been a very important trading partner with us.” Active consultations are ongoing within the government regarding trade.

On De-escalation and Troop Movement:

Asif Shahzad of Reuters sought elaboration on the DGMOs working to bring troops back to de-escalation positions. The Spokesperson explained that “first step is de-escalation,” which “entails a number of steps. It is a complex process.” The Spokesperson referred to ISPR for more details, stating that “both the militaries are in touch.”

On Indigo Flight and Airspace Ban:

Regarding an Indigo flight being denied entry into Pakistan airspace, as reported by Indian media, Abdullah Mohmand of DAWN News inquired about Pakistan’s stance. The Spokesperson stated, “I have seen the news report. We are getting in touch with the concerned department, and as soon as we receive feedback, I will share it with you.” The Spokesperson confirmed that “the Pakistani airspace is closed for Indian aircraft,” and facts were being gathered about the specific incident.

Syeda Qurat ul Ain Shirazi of Independent Urdu asked for confirmation on reports of Pakistan extending the airspace ban for Indian flights by another month. The Spokesperson replied, “I have no comments on that. I have no information on that, but I will check and I will get back to you. Just like this earlier question by Mohmand Saab, we are in the process of gathering information, but as far as we are concerned, so far, our airspace is closed for Indian aircrafts.”

On Afghan Immigrant “One Document Regime”:

Finally, Aftab Jahan of News One TV sought clarification on the “One Document Regime” for Afghan immigrants. The Spokesperson noted that this was a question for the Ministry of Commerce.

The comprehensive briefing underscored Pakistan’s proactive diplomatic engagement, firm stance on regional security, and unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty, while calling for peace and dialogue in the region.