Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Monday rejected as “immature” remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs regarding statements attributed to Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir during a recent visit to the United States.
“Pakistan strongly rejects the immature remarks made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs earlier today, which is yet another demonstration of their chronic tendency to distorting facts and twisting statements out of context,” read a statement issued by spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan.
During his second visit to the U.S in less than two months, the Army chief had interacted with the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Florida. Indian media reports, citing unnamed sources, had alleged the field marshal had said that Pakistan would “take half the world down with us” if it felt threatened by India.
Referring to those reports, a spokesperson for the Indian External Affairs Ministry had claimed “nuclear saber-rattling is Pakistan’s stock-in-trade.” He had urged the international community to draw its own conclusion on the “irresponsibility” of such remarks, expressing regret they were uttered while the Army chief was in a friendly third country.
Rubbishing the statement, Khan said the Indian narrative of an alleged ‘nuclear blackmail’ was a “misleading and self-serving” construct. “Pakistan remains firmly opposed to the use or threat of use of force. India’s saber rattling and war mongering whenever confronted, invite unfounded allegations bereft of rationality,” he said.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s status as a responsible nuclear weapon state with an elaborate command and control structure under full civilian control, he said it has always exercised discipline and restraint while dealing with the issues of such importance.
“Pakistan’s sustained and credible counterterrorism efforts are internationally-acknowledged. Our security forces remain the bulwark against terrorism,” he said, adding India’s “spurious insinuations” were irresponsible and lacked any evidence.
“We also note with concern a pointless reference to the third countries, in a bid to exert pressure on Pakistan. This not only reflects India’s lack of diplomatic confidence but also constitutes a futile attempt to unnecessarily involve other countries,” the spokesperson added.
“Contrary to India’s belligerent and jingoistic approach, Pakistan shall continue to act as a responsible member of the comity of nations,” he continued. “However, any act of Indian aggression or violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be met with an immediate and matching response. The onus of any ensuing escalation will rest squarely with the Indian leadership,” he added.