Pakistan vehemently refuted India’s assertions regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’ during Friday’s press conference, labeling them as baseless provocations and part of a concerning trend of disinformation and warmongering. The Foreign Office representative dismissed India’s account of the incursion into Pakistani territory following the Pahalgam event, citing a lack of proof and a credible inquiry. Pakistan underscored the loss of civilian lives during the Indian military action, highlighting the operation’s strategic failure and Pakistan’s effective defensive measures.
India”s characterization of a ‘new normal’ in bilateral relations and accusations of Pakistani ‘nuclear blackmail’ were also rejected as misleading and self-serving. The representative emphasized that respectful interactions, national sovereignty, and adherence to the UN Charter form the basis for normalized relations. Furthermore, India”s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty was denounced as a breach of global commitments and a destabilizing factor in the region. Pakistan reaffirmed its dedication to peaceful dialogue, particularly on the crucial matter of Jammu and Kashmir.
The spokesperson detailed Pakistan”s recent diplomatic endeavors, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s trip to the United States from July 20-28 for Pakistan’s UN Security Council (UNSC) Presidency. Dar presided over a UNSC meeting concerning UN-OIC collaboration and attended a conference on Palestine co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. As UNSC President, he championed the rights of Kashmiris and Palestinians while commending the OIC’s contributions to international peacebuilding. The UNSC subsequently adopted a Presidential Statement (S/PRST/2025/5) bolstering UN-OIC cooperation.
In Washington D.C., Dar conferred with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressing trade, economic partnerships, counter-terrorism initiatives, and regional affairs. Pakistan acknowledged the US”s role in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire and reiterated its commitment to international coordination. The spokesperson confirmed Pakistan”s willingness to mediate between the US and Iran, supporting diplomatic resolutions to regional conflicts.
The Foreign Office clarified Dar”s comments at the Atlantic Council regarding ‘independent Kashmir,’ reaffirming Pakistan’s existing stance. The final determination of Jammu and Kashmir”s status, the spokesperson asserted, rests with UNSC resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri populace.
The upcoming visit of Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on August 2-3 was announced, with discussions planned with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and security. High-level dialogues between Foreign Minister Dar and counterparts in Iran, Trkiye, and other OIC nations concerning the Gaza humanitarian crisis and the two-state solution were also confirmed.
Pakistan”s successful launch of a remote sensing satellite from China was celebrated, enhancing capabilities in disaster response, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban development. Responding to queries about the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and statements from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Gandapur, the spokesperson said investigations would ascertain whether India is exploiting such remarks against Pakistan. He underscored the effectiveness of Pakistan”s counter-terrorism framework.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s policy on undocumented Afghan immigrants, stating they will be repatriated. Pakistan-China relations were described as ‘time-tested, strategic, and autonomous.’ Details of the recent Pakistan-US trade agreement were deferred to the Ministry of Commerce, although the emphasis remains on mutual benefits across sectors including oil, IT, and AI.
Dar also engaged with the Pakistani-American community and the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) in New York. Concerns regarding stranded Pakistanis near the Thailand-Cambodia border were acknowledged, with the Embassy actively involved and updates forthcoming. The Foreign Office rejected claims of a policy shift on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, affirming continued efforts for her release through legal and diplomatic channels. Finally, despite the pause in formal India-Pakistan dialogue, communication persists through High Commissions and military channels.