Khawaja Asif rejects India's remarks on Kashmir, calls it a disputed territory
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said India cannot change what Pakistan describes as internationally recognised legal facts through political pressure or aggressive statements.
In a statement, Asif strongly rejected what he called irresponsible remarks by the Indian defence minister. He said the comments were another attempt to change the political narrative surrounding Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Asif, such statements cannot change the status of Jammu and Kashmir or help create peace, stability and meaningful dialogue in South Asia.
India’s continued attempts to rewrite internationally recognised legal realities through coercive rhetoric cannot alter the facts. Pakistan categorically rejects the irresponsible remarks made by the Indian Defence Minister. Such statements reflect a continued attempt to distort…
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) July 26, 2026
Asif said Pakistan considers Jammu and Kashmir an internationally recognised disputed territory. He said the final decision on the region should be based on United Nations resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The defence minister also warned that statements from the Indian government could make efforts for peace and meaningful negotiations more difficult. He said Pakistan remains committed to peace and dialogue but would continue protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
Asif also criticised what he described as India’s policy of making allegations against Pakistan. He said such policies pose a threat to regional stability and could increase tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
The comments come amid a long-running dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, which has remained one of the most sensitive issues between Pakistan and India.
Asif went further by accusing India of supporting terrorism and creating instability in South Asia. He described India as the biggest source of instability in the region and accused its government of pursuing expansionist ambitions. He said these policies were affecting the wider region and creating additional security challenges.
The Indian government has historically rejected Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and considers Jammu and Kashmir an integral part of India.
Pakistan, however, maintains that the region’s final status should be decided according to international commitments and the wishes of its people.
