Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif Rajnath Singh dispute intensified on Monday after Khawaja Asif strongly rejected remarks made by his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh. He described the comments as provocative and irresponsible, saying they distorted internationally recognized legal realities and undermined regional peace.
In a statement, Khawaja Asif said Pakistan completely rejects the Indian defence minister’s remarks. He argued that such statements represent an ongoing attempt to alter internationally accepted legal facts through political rhetoric and coercive policies rather than constructive diplomacy.
The defence minister stressed that the status of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir cannot be changed through public statements. He reiterated that the Kashmir dispute remains internationally recognized and should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the freely expressed wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Khawaja Asif also accused India of repeatedly attempting to discredit Pakistan despite what he described as India’s own record of state-sponsored terrorism and unlawful activities. He claimed India is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in South Asia and a major source of regional instability.
He further said India’s aggressive and expansionist policies have held the wider region hostage and increased tensions between neighboring countries. According to him, such rhetoric risks escalating interstate conflict instead of creating conditions for dialogue and stability.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Khawaja Asif said the country remains committed to peace and meaningful dialogue. However, he emphasized that Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security remains firm and should not be underestimated.
The minister also alleged that the Indian defence minister’s latest remarks were intended to divert attention from India’s domestic political challenges, growing public dissatisfaction, and criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance. The exchange marks another escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries.
