Afghan Government Responsible for Attacks in the US and Tajikistan; Pakistan Will Not Compromise on Defence: Foreign Office

**Islamabad (Qudrat Roznama):** Pakistan’s Foreign Office has said that the Afghan government is responsible for the recent attacks in the United States and Tajikistan. The spokesperson reiterated that Pakistan will not compromise on its national defence under any circumstances.

During the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson condemned the shooting incident in the U.S., calling it tragic. He said Pakistan extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed. The Washington attack, he noted, reflects the global resurgence of terrorism, and urged the international community to take concrete measures to curb terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.

Commenting on the drone attack in Tajikistan that killed three Chinese nationals, the spokesperson expressed sorrow and stressed that Afghanistan must prevent the use of its territory for terrorism.

Regarding India, the spokesperson strongly rejected the recent remarks made by the Indian Defence Minister about Sindh. He said Rajnath Singh’s statements violate international norms and are based on delusion. Pakistan, he added, seeks peaceful resolution of issues but will not compromise on its defence.

Addressing a question, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi clarified that the National Assembly committee’s recent remarks regarding the UAE may have been based on outdated information. He said the UAE has not introduced any new legislation. He again condemned India’s provocative remarks related to Sindh and urged New Delhi to refrain from issuing inflammatory statements.

He further stated that Pakistan supports peaceful dialogue to resolve issues with India. He welcomed the recent UN experts’ report highlighting human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, noting that 2,800 Kashmiris remain in Indian detention. Pakistan has reservations over raising a temple flag at the site of the historic Babri Mosque and expressed concern over rising anti-Muslim actions in India.

The Foreign Office also condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where numerous women and children have been killed. He criticized India’s failure to share water data under the Indus Waters Treaty and said Indian trends indicate an attempt to use water as a weapon.

On regional matters, the spokesperson said Pakistan hopes the Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline issue will be resolved amicably. He clarified that Pakistan is following a three-tier policy regarding Afghan refugees, and its institutions remain vigilant.

Responding to reports about Saudi Arabia offering to mediate between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, he said no such formal proposal has been seen, but Pakistan would welcome any concrete mediation effort. He asserted that ISIS exists and operates within Afghanistan, dismissing Afghan claims of its presence in Pakistan as baseless.