PESHAWAR: The adviser to chief minister on information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, has said that India used a fabricated incident like that of Pulwama attack as a pretext for aggression against Pakistan.

The act not only constituted a grave violation of international law but also posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability, he said according to a statement issued here on Wednesday.

He was addressing a multi-party conference, organised by Hadyatul Haadi on the recent Indian aggression, Mr Saif remarked that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s narrative to brand Pakistan as an irresponsible state was debunked by India’s own reckless actions.

In contrast, Pakistan, as a responsible nuclear state, exercised utmost restraint and demonstrated a mature and constructive role before the international community, he said.

Mr Saif said that India blatantly violated United Nations Charter and Geneva Conventions by targeting civilians and non-military infrastructure in areas including Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur and Azad Kashmir.

He also condemned India’s unilateral announcement to terminate the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a clear breach of international obligations.

He said that Pakistan must vigorously pursue diplomatic and legal action at global level to expose India’s violations.

Referring to US President Donald Trump’s previous offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute, Mr Saif said that it reaffirmed Kashmir’s internationally recognised disputed status.

He said that India’s occupation of Kashmir was illegal and in contradiction to global norms and United Nations resolutions.

Commenting on Modi’s own admission in a speech that the war was only halted, not ended, he said that Pakistan emerged victorious from the tense situation with dignity, wisdom and unity.

Published in Dawn, May 15th, 2025