In a recent development, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has firmly dismissed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statements regarding regional peace, labeling them as “misleading and one-sided.” The FO criticized Modi for omitting the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute from his discourse, underscoring that sustainable peace in South Asia is unattainable without addressing this core issue.
During a podcast interview with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Modi asserted that India’s efforts to establish peace with Pakistan had been met with “hostility and betrayal.” He expressed hope that “wisdom would prevail” in Islamabad to improve bilateral relations.
In response, Pakistan’s FO highlighted that such narratives conveniently overlook the unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute, which has persisted for over seven decades despite India’s commitments to the United Nations, Pakistan, and the Kashmiri people. The FO emphasized that peace and stability in South Asia have remained “hostage to India’s rigid approach and hegemonic ambitions.”
The FO further accused India of fabricating a narrative of victimhood to conceal its own actions, including orchestrating targeted assassinations, subversion, and terrorism within Pakistan. The statement urged India to introspect on its record rather than attributing blame elsewhere.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, the FO stated that the nation has consistently advocated for constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues, with the Jammu and Kashmir dispute being central. However, it lamented that India’s inflexible posture and aspirations for regional dominance have impeded progress toward lasting peace.
This exchange highlights the enduring complexities in India-Pakistan relations, with the Kashmir issue remaining a significant obstacle to achieving regional harmony. The international community continues to observe these developments, recognizing that dialogue and mutual understanding are crucial for sustainable peace in South Asia.
