Pakistan on Friday denounced India’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile test, labeling it a threat to regional stability, while simultaneously reaffirming its strong strategic alliance with China. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative addressed the media, summarizing recent diplomatic activities. The spokesperson highlighted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s Islamabad visit on August 21, during which he co-chaired the sixth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Discussions encompassed a wide array of bilateral relations, including the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), commerce, investment, counterterrorism collaboration, and regional security.
Wang Yi also met with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. China commended Pakistan’s counterterrorism endeavors, and Islamabad reiterated its firm support for China’s core interests. Regarding Afghanistan, the spokesperson mentioned the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Kabul on August 20 between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. The nations committed to joint counterterrorism measures, trade promotion, and CPEC’s expansion into Afghanistan. However, Pakistan expressed persistent apprehensions about terrorist safe havens within Afghanistan.
The spokesperson also detailed Ishaq Dar’s recent UK trip, where he engaged with Deputy PM Angela Rayner, senior officials, and British-Pakistani legislators. Key achievements included the introduction of blockchain-based land records accessible to overseas Pakistanis and a streamlined passport system at Pakistan’s High Commission in London. On the Indus Waters Treaty, Islamabad lauded the Court of Arbitration’s August 8 decision, which supported Pakistan’s stance on hydropower design, limiting India’s capacity to modify the Western Rivers’ flow. Pakistan urged India to promptly reinstate treaty adherence and comply with the binding verdict.
Pakistan also welcomed the U.S. decision to classify the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade as terrorist organizations, citing their involvement in significant attacks within Pakistan. Addressing India’s military stance, the spokesperson cautioned that India’s arms expansion, aggressive rhetoric, and the recent Agni-5 missile launch significantly jeopardized regional and international security. Pakistan affirmed its readiness to safeguard its sovereignty. Regarding Israel, Pakistan rejected statements alluding to a ‘Greater Israel’ and condemned actions in Gaza, reaffirming its support for a Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.
The spokesperson dismissed Indian claims of ‘nuclear blackmail’ as unfounded and reiterated Pakistan’s responsible nuclear status. While open to comprehensive dialogue with India on all matters, including terrorism and Kashmir, the spokesperson clarified that no meetings are planned between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart during forthcoming international events. The briefing also addressed counterterrorism talks with the U.S., arms control discussions with China, and Pakistan’s increasing diplomatic engagement within the Commonwealth and the UN.