Pakistan reserves right to self-defence, PM Sharif tells US secretary of state

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday that Pakistan retains the right to act in self-defence in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, following a wave of Indian missile and drone strikes that killed and injured scores of civilians.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz strongly condemned India’s unprovoked aggression, which resulted in the deaths of 31 innocent civilians, injuries to 57 others, and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure across six Pakistani cities.

“These attacks represent a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pose a grave threat to regional peace and stability,” the prime minister told Secretary Rubio during their conversation.

He reiterated that Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its territorial integrity and will not tolerate acts of war against its people. “The people of Pakistan are outraged by these unprovoked acts of aggression,” he added.

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The prime minister expressed appreciation for President Donald Trump’s concern over the volatile situation in South Asia and welcomed the U.S. interest in preventing further escalation.

Secretary Rubio, for his part, said the United States was closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to peace and regional stability. He stressed the importance of restraint and dialogue, urging both Pakistan and India to engage constructively to de-escalate tensions.

Both leaders agreed to maintain regular diplomatic contact as the crisis unfolds.