Pakistan knows how to defend itself, says envoy

WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has emphasised that Pakistan knows how to defend itself effectively when confronted. 

In an exclusive conversation with Hum News, the ambassador emphasised that Pakistan never requested a ceasefire, rejecting claims made in some international circles. “The U.S. wants peace in the region. But let it be clear — Pakistan did not seek any truce,” he said.

Islamabad had already warned New Delhi to avoid any misadventure, and when the time came, Pakistan’s Air Force proved its capability, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said.

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“We fought our case strongly on the diplomatic front. Our greatest strength is our truth and principled stance,” Sheikh added, highlighting that Pakistan’s messaging to the global community has been rooted in peace, restraint, and responsibility.

The envoy stressed that Pakistan does not initiate aggression but knows how to defend itself effectively. “Pakistan has always sent a message of peace on the international stage. But if challenged, we are fully capable of responding,” he said.

He said that due to the timely and effective role of the US leadership during the recent Pakistan-India tensions, where a ceasefire was established, the Kashmir issue has emerged before the world.

He said that Indian government is pursuing the terror philosophy of Hindutva in both domestic and foreign affairs and leadership of India is openly and consistently expressing expansionist and hegemonic ambitions.  

The Ambassador said that unnecessarily drumming up war in a nuclear-armed region is not a responsible act.

MEETING WITH THINK TANKS

Pakistani Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, held an in-depth session with leading American think tank members, focusing on key regional concerns — including Pakistan-India ties, the Kashmir dispute, de-escalation efforts, and the U.S. role in fostering lasting peace in South Asia.

During the discussion, the ambassador drew attention to the “Akhand Bharat” map displayed in India’s Parliament, calling it a symbol of New Delhi’s expansionist mindset.

He said India continues to block the implementation of UN resolutions on Kashmir. These resolutions, he noted, are still relevant more than seventy years after being passed.

Referring to India’s 2019 move to scrap Article 370, Sheikh termed it a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 122, which rejects unilateral changes to the status of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ambassador stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear capability serves as a deterrent, balancing conventional military differences and reducing the risk of open conflict in the region.