Pakistan has sharply reacted to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent remarks on Pakistan‑occupied Kashmir, calling them “provocative and irresponsible” and urging the international community to apply pressure on New Delhi. Singh, speaking at a Kargil Vijay Diwas event, reaffirmed India’s long‑standing position that any future dialogue with Pakistan will be limited solely to PoK, which India considers its territory under illegal Pakistani occupation.
Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry issued a formal statement condemning Singh’s comments, accusing India of distorting facts about the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and warning that such remarks pose a threat to regional peace and security. Senior members of the Shehbaz Sharif government, including Pakistan’s defence ministry, also reacted strongly, claiming India’s stance undermines diplomatic norms and escalates tensions.
Pakistan further alleged that India’s statements could destabilise the region and called on global actors to intervene. A social media post from Pakistan’s Foreign Office reiterated its position, stating that India’s comments “must be rejected by the international community.”
India, however, maintains that PoK is an integral part of the country and that Pakistan’s occupation violates international commitments. New Delhi has repeatedly asserted that discussions cannot include Jammu and Kashmir, which it considers a settled matter.
The exchange adds to ongoing diplomatic friction between the two neighbours, already strained by cross‑border terrorism concerns, ceasefire violations, and competing territorial claims. Analysts note that Pakistan’s appeal for international pressure reflects its attempt to counter India’s firm messaging on PoK, especially during politically symbolic moments like Kargil Vijay Diwas.