Tensions in the region increased after India’s air strikes, Pakistan shot down 5 Indian jets. Many countries have called for restraint. Explaining the latest situation to Pakistani journalist Rehman emphasized that Pakistan wants peace but is ready militarily.
Tensions in the region increased after India’s air strikes, Pakistan shot down 5 Indian jets. Many countries have called for restraint. Explaining the latest situation to Pakistani journalist Rehman emphasized that Pakistan wants peace but is ready militarily.
By Özgür Altınbaş
Two important Eurasian powers clashed. India struck some points it claimed as terrorist formations as part of Operation Sindoor. Pakistan then responded with retaliation. Pakistan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement that 5 Indian fighter jets and 1 drone were shot down. At least 35 people were confirmed dead from both sides. The number of wounded exceeded 90. UN Secretary General António Guterres reacted to the Indian attack, while many countries called for restraint and common sense.
Pakistani journalist Haseeb ur Rehman said that Pakistan has always preferred peaceful diplomacy in the Jammu Kashmir issue. However, Rehman also emphasized that the Pakistani army is ready for confrontation in any situation. The Pakistani journalist emphasized that these attacks have damaged many countries in Asia economically and politically.
‘We have entered a dangerous phase’
Rehman said the Jammu Kashmir dispute has a long and deep-rooted history dating back to the partition in 1947. “However, the recent escalation – especially India’s current aggressive stance – has pushed the situation to a new and dangerous stage,” Rehman said.
Emphasizing that India’s actions are neither isolated nor spontaneous, the Pakistani journalist said, “They are part of a broader strategy to destabilize Pakistan. Whether it is its cross-border ceasefire violations, its support for terrorism in Balochistan or today’s airspace provocations, India continues to act as a regional aggressor.”
‘The response will be strategically timed’
Rehman stressed that the world should know that Pakistan’s military is fully capable, ready and authorized to respond.
Stating that Pakistan’s military is on high alert, Rehman said, “Our response going forward will not be determined by rhetoric but by strategic timing, preparation and national interests. Any future aggression will be met with force, precision and unwavering resolve.”
‘Escalation depends on India’
Rehman also spoke about the escalation of tensions going forward. “Escalation depends on India,” he said, adding, “If India continues its policy of provocation through military aggression, water threats or hybrid warfare, it must be ready to face the consequences. Pakistan wants peace but will never tolerate bullying or covert war under the guise of diplomacy. Regional powers and the international community must urgently take note of India’s warmongering before it plunges South Asia into a wider conflict.”
‘Alliance with China targeted’
Rehman said the recent attacks also targeted Pakistan’s alliance with China, adding that Islamabad and Beijing have an important friendship and cooperation in economic, defense and diplomatic fields. Reminding that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vital part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has transformed Pakistan into an significant connectivity hub, Rehman said, “India has never hidden its hostility towards CPEC. The main reason for this is that the corridor passes through Gilgit-Baltistan, which India claims. However, this hostility took a darker turn when India openly opposed the BRI on international platforms and secretly supported militant activities to disrupt CPEC infrastructure, assassinate Chinese workers and create insecurity in Balochistan.”
‘Let Jammu and Kashmir decide its own fate’
Rehman said Pakistan’s position on Jammu Kashmir is based on international law, historical justice and the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “Our priority demand is the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, which clearly state that the people of Jammu Kashmir should be given the right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite,” the Pakistani journalist said, stressing that a transparent and UN-backed dialogue is essential for the Kashmiri people to decide their future.