Islamabad, January 3, 2026 — Pakistan vehemently rejected accusations leveled by India’s External Affairs Minister, escalating tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors and reigniting a long-standing dispute over alleged cross-border terrorism. The sharp rebuke, delivered by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, signals a deepening rift and a familiar pattern of blame-shifting, according to Pakistani officials.
India’s Claims Dismissed as Deflection
Pakistan accuses India of using terrorism allegations to distract from its own regional destabilizing actions.
- Pakistan denies India’s accusations of supporting terrorism.
- Islamabad points to India’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities within Pakistan.
- The case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav is cited as evidence of state-sponsored terrorism.
- Concerns raised over India’s military occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Pakistan vows to defend its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty.
“Pakistan firmly rejects the irresponsible assertions made by the Indian External Affairs Minister,” Andrabi stated. “Once again, India seeks to deflect attention from its own troubling record as a neighbour that promotes terrorism and contributes to regional instability.”
The Pakistani response centers on what it describes as documented evidence of India’s involvement in promoting terrorist activities, particularly within Pakistan’s borders. The case of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer accused of espionage and terrorism, remains a central point of contention. Pakistan maintains Jadhav’s case exemplifies organized, state-sponsored terrorism orchestrated by India.
Beyond Jadhav’s case, Pakistan alleges recurring instances of extraterritorial killings, sabotage carried out through proxy forces, and covert support for terrorist networks. These actions, according to Pakistani officials, are consistent with the extremist ideology of Hindutva and its proponents.
Kashmir Dispute and Water Treaty Concerns
The statement also reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a disputed territory claimed by both countries. Pakistan condemns India’s “illegal and violent military occupation” of the region and pledges continued political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination, as outlined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Adding another layer of complexity, Pakistan expressed concern over the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a landmark water-sharing agreement between the two nations. Islamabad warned that any unilateral violation of the treaty by India would undermine regional stability and cast doubt on India’s commitment to international legal obligations. Pakistan affirmed its resolve to “take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights” under the treaty.
Q: What is the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty in this dispute? A: The treaty, a crucial agreement for water sharing, is seen by Pakistan as a cornerstone of regional stability, and any unilateral alteration by India is viewed as a serious threat to peace and cooperation.
The escalating rhetoric underscores the fragile state of relations between Pakistan and India, with little indication of an imminent thaw. The exchange of accusations highlights the deep-seated mistrust and the complex web of issues that continue to plague the relationship between the two South Asian powers.
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