Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace while warning that any attack against its territory would meet “all force.”
His statement follows the main tensions between Pakistan and India after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in illegally occupied Indians Jammu and Kashmir (Iiojk), on April 22, which killed 26 tourists.
In an interview with ABC NewsSheikh emphasized that while Pakistan wants peace, he should not be seen as a sign of weakness.
“If there is any attack against our territory, Pakistan will respond with all its strength,” he said, adding that bets were high in a region where two nuclear powers are on the verge of confrontation. “We do not want tension in the region, but two nuclear powers are face to face, nobody knows where it is going.”
The ambassador also questioned the handling of the Indian of Pahalgam’s incident, stating that New Delhi had not provided any evidence to Pakistan or the international community. “India cannot change the burden of their oppressive policies, electoral compulsions or administrative failures to Pakistan,” he said.
Sheikh also emphasized that if the presence of 700,000 Indian troops could not guarantee peace in Iiojk, it should serve as a moment of reflection for India. He also highlighted the role of Pakistan in the world’s fight against terrorism, stating: “Pakistan has played a frontline role in the World War against terrorism.”
India has blamed Pakistan for the incident without presenting evidence, which led Islamabad to strongly deny any participation and offer to participate in a “credible and transparent research.”
In retaliation, India imposed several punitive measures, including the suspension of the Indo Water Treaty, revoking visas for Pakistani citizens and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border crossing.
Pakistan responded by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisors, canceling visas for Indian nationals, with the exception of Sij pilgrims and closing the border crossing on their side.
