USA-Pakistan Relations: Challenging Joint Statement

Islamabad (Kamran Yusuf, Waqas Ahmed) – The Foreign Office has denounced the recent joint statement against Pakistan, issued after the meeting between the American President and the Indian Prime Minister on Friday. The statement, which demands action against Pakistan-based extremist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, has been deemed misleading and unnecessary. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed that the reference to Pakistan in the US-India joint statement, issued on June 22, 2023, is one-sided, misleading, and contrary to diplomatic norms. She emphasized that the inclusion of this reference is politically motivated and aims to divert attention from India’s brutal repression and mistreatment of minorities in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

While condemning terrorism, the spokesperson highlighted the failure of the Joint Declaration to address the root causes of tension and instability in the region, as well as its failure to acknowledge the dire human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, Pakistan expressed deep concerns over the planned transfer of advanced military technologies to India, as such moves contribute to the military imbalance in the region and undermine strategic stability.

The Foreign Office has communicated its serious concerns to the United States, emphasizing the need for partner countries to objectively analyze peace and security issues in South Asia. Pakistan has been severely affected by Indian terrorism across the border, and the international community recognizes the sacrifices and efforts made by Pakistan in the war against terrorism. Pakistan has consistently urged the international community to recognize the threats to peace and stability in South Asia posed by the policies and actions of the BJP-led Indian government and to call upon India to refrain from actions that harm regional peace and stability.

In response to the joint statement, Foreign Minister Bilawal Zardari, while adopting a diplomatic approach, assured that Pakistan would not become insecure due to the growing relations between the US and India. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to focus on its own interests, urging the nation to stay away from global politics. Zardari expressed confidence that Pakistan will remain secure in its relations with the international community, including the United States, as it continues to fight against terrorism for the sake of its own country.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, on the other hand, responded bluntly, pointing out that the statement against Pakistan was issued during the visit of a person who was once banned from entering the United States when he served as Chief Minister. Deprecating the actions of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Asif accused him of leading another state-sponsored campaign of terrorism in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where the local population is subjected to routine disabilities and violence. Asif further asserted in the National Assembly that Pakistan has not become a victim of terrorism because of the US, but rather because of America’s own actions that have allowed terrorism to flourish in the region.

Asif criticized the US President and the White House for not considering the background of terrorism before issuing the statement. He reminded the world that Washington had previously denied Modi a visa due to his involvement in the Gujarat riots, in which thousands of Muslims were killed and women were subjected to rape. Asif reiterated that Modi’s hands were stained with blood back then, and they continue to be so today, as the massacre of Kashmiri Muslims persists and human rights violations in Kashmir remain ongoing. Pakistan, he emphasized, continues to fight against terrorism, and the USA should acknowledge its own role in enabling the spread of terrorism in the region. Asif attributed America’s statements to its economic problems and its desire to establish India as a strategic counterbalance to China, while Modi seeks to enhance his influence on the global stage.

In conclusion, Pakistan has firmly rejected the USA-India joint statement as misleading and politically motivated. The Foreign Office has urged partner countries to impartially assess peace and security concerns in South Asia. While Foreign Minister Bilawal Zardari advocated a diplomatic approach, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed strong criticism, highlighting the need for the US to recognize its own role in fostering terrorism in the region. Pakistan remains committed to its fight against terrorism and emphasizes the importance of regional peace and stability.