Pakistan has issued a strong warning to India following remarks by its defence minister that Islamabad considers threatening and provocative. On Friday, the Foreign Office (FO) condemned the statements and warned that any military aggression would trigger a forceful response.
During the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan stressed that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness. He also urged New Delhi to abandon its confrontational approach and avoid rhetoric that could undermine regional stability.
“Restraint and commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness. Any aggression will be met with a forceful response,” Khan said.
He described the remarks as evidence of India’s “hegemonistic mindset” and warned that its “belligerent posture” threatened peace and stability across South Asia.
Khan also referred to the military confrontation in May 2025, saying Pakistan had demonstrated its ability and determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Let there be no ambiguity. Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any ill-advised aggression,” he said.
He called on India to learn from last year’s events, abandon dangerous rhetoric and act responsibly to promote lasting regional peace.
Pakistan Condemns Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport
The Foreign Office also condemned the latest Houthi attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Pakistan reiterated its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
Khan expressed deep concern over continuing attacks against the kingdom, warning that strikes against civilians and critical infrastructure threatened regional stability.
“Pakistan underscores that attacks against civilian populations and critical infrastructure are unacceptable and constitute a grave threat to regional peace and security,” he said.
Furthermore, Khan recalled a joint statement issued on October 11 by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye under the R4 Group Framework. The four countries condemned continuing Houthi attacks, including the strike on Riyadh airport.
They also reaffirmed their solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supported measures to protect its territory and population, and demanded an immediate, unconditional end to the attacks.
Pakistan Joins 18 Countries in Rejecting Colombia’s Jerusalem Embassy
Pakistan has joined 18 other countries in condemning Colombia’s inauguration of its embassy in Jerusalem. The participating foreign ministers described the move as contrary to relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They also warned that the decision undermined efforts to achieve a two-state solution.
The joint statement, issued on Friday, included Pakistan, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Türkiye.
Pakistan Urges Afghanistan to Take Action Against Terrorist Groups
Addressing Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, Khan referred to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s address at an international conference organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad on October 12.
The conference examined Pakistan’s evolving counterterrorism challenges, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), cross-border threats and regional security.
According to Khan, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to combat terrorism in all its forms. He also urged Afghan authorities to take “concrete, verifiable and irreversible action against groups operating from Afghan soil” against Pakistan.
Dar highlighted the threat from “Indian-sponsored terrorist groups operating against Pakistan”, including groups originating from Afghan territory.
Moreover, he outlined Pakistan’s counterterrorism measures, including the implementation of the National Action Plan, Operation Azm-e-Istehkam and stronger intelligence coordination. He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices.
Pakistan Reiterates Its Position on Jammu and Kashmir
The Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Khan described India’s August 5, 2019, actions to divide the region into parts as illegal and void.
“We have been saying it repeatedly and cannot alter the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory whose final status has to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and as per the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
Pakistan maintains that the region’s final status must follow relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and reflect the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
Pakistan Condemns Forced Displacement of Palestinians
Khan also expressed concern over the displacement of Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank. He referred to reports that displaced residents of the Tulkarm refugee camp would not be allowed to return.
Pakistan considers the forced displacement of Palestinians and efforts to prevent their return serious violations of international law, he said.
Furthermore, Khan warned that such actions undermined the fundamental rights of Palestinians. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intervene against unlawful evictions.
He also called for the protection of displaced Palestinians’ right to return and accountability for ongoing violations.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinian self-determination. He also reaffirmed Islamabad’s position that an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state should emerge along the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan and Oman Agree to Expand Bilateral Cooperation
Turning to bilateral relations, Khan said Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al-Busaidy visited Pakistan from October 13 to 14. The visit followed an invitation from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The two foreign ministers co-chaired the eighth session of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Ministerial Commission. They reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to strengthen cooperation across several sectors.
These included trade, investment, energy, maritime connectivity, information technology and workforce mobility.
During the visit, both sides signed five agreements and memorandums of understanding. They also exchanged a protocol recording the proceedings of the commission’s session.
Additionally, the two countries discussed regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening longstanding relations.
Separately, Dar met Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev on October 14. They reviewed the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Russia relations and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides also emphasised continued coordination at multilateral forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Dar Discusses Regional Relations With Maldives, Egypt and Türkiye
Khan said Dar spoke by telephone with Maldivian Foreign Minister Ertugrul Hisham Adem on October 10. Their discussion focused on preparations for President Mohamed Muizzu’s forthcoming visit to Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral relations. They also agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure a productive visit.
On October 15, Dar held separate telephone conversations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
During his discussion with Abdelatty, Dar emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for addressing regional challenges. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for de-escalation efforts.
Meanwhile, his conversation with Fidan covered the situation in Gaza and Palestine. They also discussed preparations and strategy for the forthcoming Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Iraq.
According to Khan, both discussions highlighted the importance of continued engagement and coordination to promote peace and stability.
Pakistan and EU Explore More Legal Migration Opportunities
Pakistan and the European Union have also discussed migration and mobility cooperation. Khan said Dar met European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in Islamabad on October 13.
The meeting reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation under the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan.
Dar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to combat irregular migration, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. However, he stressed that these measures should accompany greater opportunities for skilled Pakistani workers and professionals to migrate legally.
Brunner appreciated Pakistan’s progress in reducing irregular migration. He also acknowledged the potential to expand legal migration pathways, Khan said.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said EU figures recorded a decline of around 64% in irregular migration from Pakistan to Europe over the previous 18 months.
He attributed the progress to stronger border management, improved institutional capacity, action against human smuggling and trafficking, and enhanced international cooperation.
Khan added that migration and mobility remained important pillars of the Pakistan-EU Strategic Engagement Plan, signed in 2019. He said efforts to control irregular migration should go hand in hand with safe, orderly and legal migration opportunities.
“In this spirit, Pakistan and the EU launched the Migration and Mobility Dialogue back in November 2022, and the dialogue is a win-win template, since it affords an opportunity for both sides to take this opportunity forward,” he said. “In Europe, they are short of labour, and in Pakistan we have sufficient labour workforce,” he added
IAEA Completes First Nuclear Security Mission in Pakistan
The spokesperson also announced the successful conclusion of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) first International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission to Pakistan on October 9.
The mission examined Pakistan’s national legal and regulatory framework for nuclear security. According to Khan, the IAEA team appreciated Pakistan’s cooperation, transparency and professionalism during the review.
He said completing the mission demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening nuclear security. It also reflected the country’s support for international cooperation in the safe, secure and peaceful application of nuclear technology.
Digital Reforms Aim to Speed Up Document Attestation
Separately, Dar witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Inter-Boards Coordination Commission.
The agreement aims to integrate databases and simplify the attestation and verification of educational documents. It also seeks to improve transparency and expand digital services for Pakistanis at home and abroad.
Khan said the initiative would reduce delays and remove the need for physical visits, making consular services more accessible.
Responding to a question about alleged irregularities in attestation services and reports of officials being taken into custody, Khan said the Foreign Office was gradually digitising attestation and apostille services.
He explained that the ministry had launched e-attestation through its online portal. Meanwhile, the transition towards e-apostille was underway, covering online applications, electronic payments, digital verification and electronic certifications.
Eligible applicants could also avoid physical appearances, subject to prescribed safeguards. Khan said this arrangement would particularly benefit overseas Pakistanis.
“This is a massive leap forward,” he said, adding that the process was ongoing and had been personally steered by the deputy prime minister and foreign minister.
He added that the agreement with HEC would improve coordination among relevant institutions. It would also replace manual application and processing procedures with automated systems.
Regarding the inquiry into alleged irregularities, Khan clarified that an external committee had been formed and was continuing its work.
“They will be announcing their proceedings once it is completed,” he added.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe to the YouTube Channel.
