ISLAMABAD: Interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Tuesday reiterated Pakistan's support for the freedom movement in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad the minister rejected Indian claims of accusing Pakistan of infiltrating terrorists into IoK.

Terming Indian home minister's statement as “irresponsible”, Rasheed categorically rejected the statement about Pakistan, saying that Pakistan was not behind any incursion into occupied Kashmir.

The minister accused Israel, India, the National Directorate of Security (Afghanistan's intelligence agency) as well as the international media to foist blame on Pakistan for the fast deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

Rasheed said that Pakistan has nothing to do with Afghan politics and Pakistan only wants peace in the region and Afghanistan.

The interior minister stressed that peace in Afghanistan was linked with Pakistan's own stability. "Pakistan has given sacrifices of lives against terrorism and for peace," the minister said.

Sheikh Rasheed expressed the resolve to ensure foolproof security arrangements during Muharram.

He appealed to the mourners to strictly observe precautionary measures as laid down by the National Command and Operation Centre to prevent spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

He said weakening Pakistan internally is the prime agenda of hostile agencies of India, Israel, and Afghanistan and we have to foil their designs by remaining strong from within.