ISLAMABAD: Taking exception to the remarks made by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding taking “physical jurisdiction” of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan on Tuesday warned that such irresponsible and belligerent statements had the potential to jeopardise peace and security in the region.

“We strongly condemn and reject the inflammatory and irresponsible remarks made by the Indian external affairs minister regarding Pakistan and AJK. These remarks are an obvious manifestation of India’s utter frustration over the continued international censure of its egregious human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal.

In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Pakistan called on the international community to take cognizance of India’s aggressive posturing about taking “physical jurisdiction” of AJK.

“Coming from an occupying state, such irresponsible and belligerent statements have the potential to further escalate tensions and seriously jeopardise peace and security in the region. Pakistan stands for peace, but would be ready to respond effectively to any act of aggression,” it said.

The Foreign Office said that instead of resorting to rhetoric, India should rescind its illegal actions, stop forthwith grave human rights violations in India-held Kashmir, refrain from violating international law and fully comply with UN Security Council resolutions for a final settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2019