Pakistan reiterates dialogue with India while warning against any aggression

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said its approach to relations with India remained focused on dialogue and diplomacy, while also making clear that it would respond with full force if any aggression was imposed on it.

Speaking at the weekly Foreign Office briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi referred to a message issued earlier in the day by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq. Quoting Dar’s message, Andrabi said the anniversary was a significant point in the country’s national journey and added that it was not solely about recalling the past but also about shaping what lies ahead.

Responding to questions about the future security environment in South Asia, Andrabi said Pakistan had consistently emphasized diplomacy and dialogue as the way to address all bilateral disputes with India. He said Pakistan’s position on bilateral matters with India was based on international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

According to the spokesperson, Pakistan’s stance on issues including Jammu and Kashmir, river waters, arms control, disarmament, and humanitarian matters involving prisoners rested on legal and political legitimacy.

At the same time, Andrabi said Pakistan would not remain passive in the face of any hostile action. Referring to events that he said had taken place exactly a year earlier, he said the country’s message to its adversary in the neighbourhood was clear.

"If an aggression, which took place exactly a year ago, is imposed on us, Pakistan will respond, and will respond with full strength and all means available," he said.

During the briefing, Andrabi also spoke about contacts between Iran and the United States, saying Pakistan remained hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts would produce an agreement soon.

He said Pakistan hoped the two sides would reach a peaceful and lasting outcome that would contribute to stability in the region as well as the wider international community.

Andrabi did not provide details about the possible understanding between Tehran and Washington, saying Pakistan’s role as a facilitator required it to maintain confidentiality. Referring to reports about a possible one-page memo, he responded with a light remark before reiterating that Islamabad would not discuss the substance of the talks. "Look, I do not know whether it's a one-page or a two-page...that would depend on the font as well; larger font go on to two pages. It is not for us to discuss or divulge the details on the substance of talks. As an honest facilitator and mediator, it is incumbent upon us to uphold the trust of respective positions," he said.

The spokesperson said Islamabad would guard any sensitive information linked to the negotiations and would not violate the confidence placed in it by either side.

The Foreign Office briefing combined Pakistan’s stated preference for diplomatic engagement with India and its support for ongoing diplomacy between Iran and the United States. Andrabi’s remarks underscored Islamabad’s position that disputes should be handled through dialogue, while also stressing that Pakistan would respond decisively if confronted with aggression.