Pakistan rejects Modi's threats, tells Indian govt to 'demonstrate maturity'

Pakistan has categorically rejected a baseless and provocative statements made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Foreign Office (FO) emphasised that such escalatory remarks would only serve to exacerbate tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The response came following Prime Minister Modi’s statement in which he denied Pakistan's share in the rivers' waters flowing from India, and declared that it has legal rights to do so.

He further warned that Pakistan would “have to pay a heavy price” for what he termed a “terrorist attack,” adding, “Pakistan's army and economy will pay it.”

The Foreign Office on Friday said that Pakistan "categorically rejects these baseless, provocative, and irresponsible allegations made by the Indian Prime Minister."

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It stressed that attempts to link Pakistan to terrorism were misleading and unacceptable, noting that Pakistan remains a consistent and effective partner in the global fight against terrorism.

"The remarks, replete with distortions, misrepresentations, and inflammatory rhetoric, are clearly aimed at stoking regional tensions for narrow political gains," the FO stated.

The Foreign Office further remarked, "This is a tactic often employed to divert attention from India's own internal challenges, particularly its repressive policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir."

It noted that the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people and their ongoing struggle for self-determination cannot be overshadowed by confrontational language or political distractions.

Pakistan called upon Indian leadership to act with responsibility and restraint.

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"Provocative statements and aggressive posturing only serve to heighten tensions," the statement warned, adding, "Instead of creating fictional narratives and seeking conflict for electoral gain, India should demonstrate maturity by addressing outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue and diplomacy."

The FO reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve that "the people of Pakistan, along with its armed forces, are fully prepared and capable of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any act of aggression or miscalculation will be met with a determined and proportionate response. Pakistan has proven its resolve in the past and will do so again if necessary."

The FO urged the international community to take serious notice of India’s aggressive stance and hate-fueled narratives that threaten regional peace. It is crucial to discourage such rhetoric and actions to maintain stability in South Asia, it concluded.