PM Shehbaz has conveyed his concerns on the Indian government’s “provocative statements” to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev during their phone call.

The premier “expressed his concern over the recent provocative statements by the Indian leadership, and affirmed that in [the] face of any future aggression, Pakistan would resolutely defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”, a PMO statement read.

The prime minister emphasised that Pakistan had agreed to the ceasefire understanding with India in the interest of regional peace, and remained committed to upholding it“.

He stressed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was the root cause of instability in South Asia, which should be resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council’s resolutions.

PM Shehbaz also conveyed his “profound thanks to President Aliyev for his country’s steadfast and principled support to the Kashmir cause”.