Pakistani PM accuses India of ‘provocations’ in call with Rubio

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and discussed the current situation in South Asia and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

During the conversation, the prime ninister conveyed his best wishes for US President Donald Trump and expressed Pakistan’s desire to strengthen its partnership with the United States in all areas of mutual interest. He briefed Rubio on Pakistan’s perspective regarding the regional situation that has emerged following the Pahalgam incident.

PM Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and highlighted the country’s key role in the global fight against terrorism. He noted that Pakistan has sacrificed 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses exceeding $152 billion in this struggle.

The prime minister expressed concern over India’s provocative behavior, calling it regrettable and alarming. He said such actions divert attention from Pakistan’s genuine efforts to combat terrorism, especially against groups operating from Afghan soil such as ISIS-Khorasan (ISKP), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He categorically rejected India’s attempts to link Pakistan to the Pahalgam incident and reiterated the demand for a transparent, impartial, and credible investigation.

Also read: Pakistan warns of strong retaliation to Indian aggression

Shehbaz Sharif urged the United States to play its role in restraining India from making provocative statements. He also voiced serious concerns over India’s move to use water as a weapon, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty does not permit unilateral withdrawal by any party.

The Prime Minister emphasized that a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is the only path to lasting peace in South Asia.

On the topic of bilateral relations, Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan and the United States have worked together for over 70 years and can continue to progress in areas such as counterterrorism, economic cooperation, and mineral development. He highlighted the significant economic reforms undertaken by Pakistan over the past year and said the country is now on the path to recovery.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked the Prime Minister for the detailed exchange and expressed the United States’ desire to work with Pakistan for peace and stability in South Asia.