By Eman Alam
ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Wednesday said that India’s refusal to accept international arbitration on the Kashmir reflects its rigid stance.
Talking to a private news channel, he said that Pakistan welcomed US President Donald Trump’s offer of mediation on the Kashmir issue.
“If there is an opportunity for international arbitration on this long-standing issue, it must be pursued,” he said. He added that Pakistan has always been open to dialogue and mediation on all the issues, and reaffirmed the country’s consistent position.
Pakistan’s stature in the international community has grown, especially following the success of Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos, which he described as having enhanced Pakistan’s strategic and diplomatic stature, he said. He further said that the scheduled presence of its military leadership in high-level engagements in US reflects this increasing global recognition.
Answering a question, he clarified that the Field Marshal’s visit and related meetings were planned weeks in advance, long before the recent escalation in the Middle East.
“The evolving Gaza situation is deeply tragic. However, the Field Marshal’s presence at such forums provides Pakistan with an opportunity to articulate the Muslim world’s perspective, particularly on Palestine,” he said. Responding to another question, he said that if India violates the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan might seriously reconsider the validity of the Simla Agreement. “Non-cooperation from India will reflect its attitude toward peace and obligations,” he added.
On the Israel-Iran conflict, Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan firmly stands with Iran, stating that Israel has no right to interfere in the sovereignty of any state or attempt regime change through aggression. Pakistan will remain voice for peace, committed to upholding international law, Muslim solidarity, and meaningful engagement on all diplomatic fronts, he concluded.
Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful and defensive use of its nuclear capabilities, stating that they are solely intended for the protection of the nation and its people in the face of hostile threats.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Asif emphasised that Pakistan does not seek hegemony in the region and remains fully compliant with all international nuclear agreements and discipline
Drawing a sharp contrast, the minister expressed concern over Israel’s actions, describing them as hegemonic in nature and warning that they risk triggering widespread conflict.
“Israel’s aggressive policies are creating instability that could engulf the region and beyond,” he warned.
Asif also criticized the Western world’s continued patronage of Israel, calling the country a “rogue state” and warning that such support could lead to catastrophic consequences for global peace and security.
Earlier, Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday that improvements are underway in the healthcare sector and that her full focus is on providing free medical treatment to the people. The Clinics on Wheels are now ready to serve all districts and urban areas of the province.
