The Foreign Office on Thursday firmly rejected any suggestion that the Pakistan Air Force could participate in armed conflicts abroad, while condemning statements by India’s foreign minister as “irresponsible”.

In a weekly media briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed the Indian foreign minister’s remarks made in Luxembourg, calling them an attempt to divert attention from Indian-sponsored terrorism.

He said India should focus on reviewing its own policies rather than lecturing Pakistan, stressing that its accusations cannot hide its anti-peace actions on the international stage.

Highlighting Pakistan’s regional stance, Andrabi said Islamabad maintains close cooperation with Saudi Arabia across multiple sectors, including defence, and strongly opposes any foreign aggression against Iran.

He added that Pakistan is also opposed to the use of force by external actors and called for verifiable written assurances from the Afghan Taliban regime to ensure Afghan territory is not used for terrorism.

Addressing questions on the role of the Pakistan Air Force, the spokesperson clarified, “The Pakistan Air Force is not participating in any armed conflict anywhere in the world.”

Andrabi also reiterated Pakistan’s position on water treaties, emphasising the restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty and opposing India’s unilateral suspension of the agreement, stating that India cannot build dams on the Jhelum or Neelum rivers.

Touching on the Kashmir issue, he noted that the right to self-determination day was recently observed.

The spokesperson highlighted that thousands of political leaders remain imprisoned in the Indian-occupied territory.

He said the New Delhi regime had been trying to alter the demographic balance in Kashmir since August 5, 2019.

He also spoke about Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with China, citing recent statements following Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit.

Pakistan and China agreed to further harmonise CPEC projects and promote peace and stability in South Asia, he added.

Pakistan briefed China on the Kashmir dispute, and China acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, and a joint communiqué was issued following the strategic talks, the spokesperson added.

Andrabi affirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s national unity efforts and said Pakistan considered the Kashmir dispute a historical issue.

On regional security, he stressed that Afghan territory must not be used against any country and reiterated Pakistan’s call for verified written assurances from the Afghan Taliban.

He also opposed any foreign intervention in Iran, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance against external aggression in the region.

Highlighting Pakistan’s position on Somaliland, Andrabi said Islamabad rejects its recognition, calling it a conspiracy to divide Somalia.

He also touched upon routine meetings with former foreign secretaries and ambassadors, clarified that no decision has yet been made regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Stabilisation Force.

The briefing emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international cooperation, the importance of water treaties under international law, and a firm stance against terrorism, while strongly opposing unilateral and irresponsible actions by India.