Pakistan condemns Indian defence minister’s remarks, warns of forceful response to any aggression
Pakistan on Friday rejected and condemned what it called provocative Indian defence minister remarks threatening military aggression against the country. The Foreign Office warned that any attack would be met with a forceful response.
Foreign Office spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan delivered the response during the weekly press briefing in Islamabad. He said the remarks reflected India’s “hegemonistic mindset” and the risks its “belligerent posture” posed to regional peace and stability in South Asia.
“Restraint and commitment to peace must never be mistaken for weakness,” Khan said. “Any aggression will be met with a forceful response.”
The Indian defence minister, Rajnath Singh, had said a day earlier that any future “act of terrorism” originating from Pakistan would invite a stronger response than before. He added that India’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness, and that New Delhi was prepared to deal with security challenges.
Why the Indian defence minister remarks drew a sharp response
Khan reminded India of the consequences of its military aggression in May 2025. He said Pakistan had demonstrated its capability and resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and had delivered a befitting response.
“Let there be no ambiguity. Pakistan remains fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any ill-advised aggression,” he said.
He urged New Delhi to draw appropriate lessons from last year’s events, abandon its belligerent posture and dangerous rhetoric, and act responsibly to ensure lasting peace in the region.
FO also condemns Houthi attack on Riyadh airport
At the same briefing, Pakistan strongly condemned the latest Houthi attack targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
He noted that Pakistan, along with the R4 countries, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Egypt, had condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the strike on Riyadh airport, on October 11. The four countries reaffirmed their solidarity with the Kingdom and its legitimate right to defend its territory and citizens, and called for an immediate and unconditional halt to the attacks.
The condemnation follows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s meeting with the newly appointed Saudi envoy in Islamabad, where he reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks. Pakistan has also joined 18 countries condemning the inauguration of Colombia’s embassy in Jerusalem this week.
Frequently asked questions
What did Pakistan say about the Indian defence minister’s remarks?
The Foreign Office rejected and condemned the remarks as provocative and threatening aggression. It warned that restraint must never be mistaken for weakness, and that any aggression would be met with a forceful response.
Who is the Foreign Office spokesperson?
Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan is the Foreign Office spokesperson. He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing in Islamabad on October 16, 2026.
What did Pakistan say about the Houthi attack on Riyadh airport?
Pakistan condemned the Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security, calling for an immediate and unconditional halt to the attacks.
