Pakistan ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peace while warning that any attack on its territory would be welcomed with “full strength”.
His declaration follows increased tensions between Pakistan and India after a deadly attack in Pahalgam, located in Jammu-et-Cachemire, illegally occupied India (iiojk), on April 22, which killed 26 tourists.
In an interview ABC NewsSheikh stressed that if Pakistan wants peace, it should not be considered a sign of weakness.
“If there is an attack on our territory, Pakistan will respond in all strength,” he said, adding that the issues were raised in a region where two nuclear powers stand on the edge of the confrontation. “We do not want tension in the region, but if two nuclear powers find themselves face to face, nobody knows where he is going.”
The ambassador also called into question the treatment of India from the Pahalgam incident, declaring that New Delhi had provided any evidence in Pakistan or the international community. “India cannot modify the burden of its oppressive policies, its electoral contrains or its administrative failures on Pakistan,” he said.
Sheikh also stressed that if the presence of 700,000 Indian soldiers could not guarantee peace in IIOJK, this should serve as a moment of reflection for India. He also underlined the role of Pakistan in the global fight against terrorism, declaring: “Pakistan played a leading role in the world war against terrorism”.
India blamed Pakistan for the incident without presenting evidence, encouraging Islamabad to deny any involvement and to offer to participate in a “credible and transparent investigation”.
In retaliation, India has imposed several punitive measures, including the suspension of the industrial waters, the revocation of visas for Pakistani nationals and the closure of the Wagah-Attari border passage.
Pakistan responded by expelling Indian diplomats and military advisers, announcing visas for Indian nationals, with the exception of Sikhs pilgrims and closing the border crossing on the side.
