India on Tuesday delivered a sharp rebuttal to Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's recent belligerent military threats, describing them as a frantic attempt by Islamabad to divert attention from its dismal domestic record and severe human rights violations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also highlighted the brutal suppression of protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
MEA Spokesperson Dismisses Rhetoric
Responding to Asif's comments, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing, "Regarding the comments made by the Pakistani Defence Minister, we have seen reports on the matter. Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and divert attention away from its human rights abuses. We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt they deserve."
Spotlight on PoK Crackdown
Jaiswal further dismantled Islamabad's narrative by pointing to the volatile situation in PoK, which he said stems from decades of systemic state-sponsored subjugation by Pakistan. "The ongoing developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan's decades-long policy of systematic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation," he stated. He added that Pakistan has responded with extreme police brutality, including blocking essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and using lethal force against unarmed civilians. "As you know, several people have lost their lives as a result. We hope that the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its actions, misdeeds, and human rights abuses," Jaiswal added.
Context of the War Threat
The diplomatic retaliation came three days after Asif issued a warning that Islamabad would not hesitate to initiate a military conflict if it perceived India's management of the Indus River system as a threat to its water security. Speaking to a Pakistani news channel on Saturday, Asif said, "The moment we feel that our national security, and water is part of our national security, is being threatened, we will go to war against India. Definitely."
Escalation Over Indus Waters Treaty
The hostile rhetoric is part of a coordinated campaign by Pakistani state authorities and non-state actors targeting India, intensifying after New Delhi placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following a deadly cross-border terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam last year. India has maintained that the water pact will remain suspended until Pakistan demonstrates verifiable action to dismantle state-sponsored cross-border terrorism infrastructure.
