Pakistan’s Foreign Office has strongly condemned a joint statement issued by the United States and India, accusing it of being biased and ignoring crucial regional realities. 

In a statement issued on Friday FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan dismissed the accusations during a weekly press briefing, stating, “We consider the Pakistan-specific reference in the Indo-US joint statement of Feb 13 as one-sided, misleading and contrary to diplomatic norms.” He expressed surprise that the statement included these criticisms despite Pakistan’s counter-terrorism cooperation with the US.

Khan further argued that the statement failed to address critical issues, including India’s non-compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, a key factor contributing to regional instability. He also highlighted the “grim human rights situation” in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the joint statement’s silence on these matters constitutes “an abdication of international responsibility.”

He defended Pakistan’s commitment to combating terrorism, emphasizing the country’s significant sacrifices in the fight against this global scourge. 

“As a country that has enormously suffered from terrorism, Pakistan would continue to contribute to the regional and global efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. It remains committed to bringing the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion by eliminating this scourge from the soil,” the statement said.

“Pakistan also remains committed to continue with counter-terrorism efforts, address the issue of terrorism, including acts of terrorism perpetrated by foreign elements,” Khan added.

The joint statement was released following a White House meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing Pakistan’s alleged support for extremism and referenced its purported involvement in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The statement added that Tahawwur Rana, a suspect wanted in connection with the Mumbai attacks, would be extradited from US to India.

Khan also voiced serious concerns over the planned increase in military sales by US to India, warning that such actions exacerbate military imbalances and undermine regional stability.  He urged the international community to adopt a more balanced and objective perspective on South Asian security issues.

“We urge our international partners to take a holistic and objective view of issues of peace and security in South Asia and refrain from endorsing positions that are one-sided and divorced from ground realities,” the statement said.