Pakistan Rejects ‘Misleading’ Reference in US-India Joint Statement
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Friday expressed strong reservations over a reference to Pakistan in a joint statement issued after talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, calling it “one-sided and misleading.”
During Modi’s visit to the White House on Thursday, both leaders discussed a range of issues, including counterterrorism efforts. The joint statement emphasized eliminating terrorist safe havens globally and strengthening cooperation against terror threats posed by groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS, Jaish-e-Mohammad, and Lashkar-e-Taiba. It also referenced the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Abbey Gate bombing in Afghanistan.
Additionally, the statement confirmed the US approval of Tahawwur Rana’s extradition to India and urged Pakistan to bring to justice those responsible for the Mumbai and Pathankot attacks while ensuring its territory is not used for cross-border terrorism.
Reacting to this, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan denounced the inclusion of Pakistan in the statement, stating, “We find the reference in the India-US Joint Statement of February 13, 2025, misleading, biased, and inconsistent with diplomatic norms.”
He further highlighted Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts in cooperation with the United States and criticized the omission of India’s alleged involvement in acts of terrorism and extrajudicial killings across the region.
Khan also pointed out that the statement overlooked India’s non-compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, which he described as a primary source of regional instability. He condemned the international community’s failure to acknowledge the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian-Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it a neglect of international responsibility.
“The world recognizes Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism,” he asserted, reaffirming the country’s commitment to eradicating this threat and maintaining regional stability.
Regarding defense agreements between the US and India, including discussions on the sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets, the spokesperson expressed concerns over the transfer of advanced military technologies to India. He warned that such actions disrupt the military balance in South Asia and threaten regional peace.
Pakistan urged global stakeholders to adopt a balanced approach toward South Asian security issues, avoiding endorsements of positions that ignore ground realities.
Despite these criticisms, the Foreign Office reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its relationship with the United States, emphasizing historical ties and continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation.
