ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President and the party’s parliamentary leader in the Senate, Sherry Rehman, on Sunday strongly condemned remarks attributed to the Indian army chief, terming them provocative and harmful to peace and stability in South Asia.
Responding to the statement of the Indian army chief, Senator Sherry said Pakistan’s consistent diplomatic, political, and strategic engagement at the global level reflected its status as a responsible state and an important nuclear power increasingly recognised in international forums.
“The international community continues to engage Pakistan in conflict resolution efforts, peace negotiations, and broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining regional stability,” she said in a statement.
The PPP leader criticised India’s recurring pattern of escalating tensions and then calling for de-escalation, saying such conduct was inconsistent with responsible and accountable state behaviour. She observed that voices within India, including former military officials and members of civil society, were increasingly advocating peace and regional stability instead of confrontation.
Highlighting India’s internal economic challenges, Senator Sherry pointed to inflation and other pressures affecting ordinary citizens and urged the Indian leadership to prioritise public welfare and regional peace over aggressive posturing.
Referring to past military developments, she cited the reported downing of Indian aircraft during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, saying it demonstrated Pakistan’s defensive preparedness. She also claimed that US President Donald Trump had acknowledged Pakistan’s aerial capabilities in relation to such incidents.
Senator Sherry reiterated that Pakistan remained firmly committed to safeguarding its sovereignty and would not compromise on national defence under any circumstances. She warned that South Asia could not afford further escalation or inflammatory rhetoric, stressing Pakistan’s consistent policy of peace, dialogue, and regional cooperation. She added that threatening language was inconsistent with international diplomatic norms and responsible state conduct.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, she said the country’s armed forces and people were fully capable of responding to any act of aggression. She also urged India to focus on addressing internal challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and environmental concerns, instead of pursuing confrontation in the region.
Concluding her statement, Senator Sherry said Pakistan continued to be recognised as a proponent of peace in South Asia, stressing that lasting peace, development, and prosperity in the region could only be achieved through equality, mutual respect, and meaningful dialogue.
