Pakistan has condemned remarks by India’s defence minister threatening military aggression, warning that any attack would receive a forceful response.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan issued the warning during his weekly press briefing on Friday. He said Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness. He added that Islamabad remained prepared to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Khan said India’s statements reflected a confrontational approach that threatened regional peace and stability. He referred to the military confrontation in May 2025, saying Pakistan had demonstrated its ability to defend itself. He urged New Delhi to learn from those events and avoid further escalation.
The spokesperson also condemned a Houthi attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Türkiye have called for an immediate and unconditional end to attacks against the kingdom.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson’s Weekly Press Briefing 16-10-2026 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/QHDzTMW4b7
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 16, 2026
On Palestine, Khan said Pakistan and 18 other countries had condemned Colombia’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem. The countries described the move as inconsistent with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and harmful to the two-state solution.
Read more: Houthi airport strike in Riyadh kills Pakistani national, injures 11 others
Khan also urged Afghan authorities to take verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts. These include implementing the National Action Plan and improving intelligence coordination.
The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s position on Jammu and Kashmir, calling the region an internationally recognised disputed territory. He also condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and urged international action to protect their rights.
Separately, Khan highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Oman, Russia, Egypt, Türkiye, the Maldives and the European Union. He said Pakistan and the EU had discussed legal migration opportunities and cooperation against human trafficking. He also announced the completion of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s first International Physical Protection Advisory Service mission to Pakistan.
