PM Shehbaz Condemns Indian Strikes in Call with Rubio, Asserts Pakistan’s Right to Self-Defense
The diplomatic exchange concluded with both sides agreeing to remain in close contact as the situation develops.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday, delivered a strong condemnation of India’s recent missile and drone strikes, which resulted in the deaths of 31 Pakistani civilians, injuries to 57 others, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure, according to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Shehbaz Sharif described India’s actions as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that such attacks gravely threaten peace and stability across South Asia.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty “at all costs,” and conveyed the nation’s outrage over what he termed “unprovoked acts of war.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan reserves the right to act in self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
During the call, Prime Minister Sharif also appreciated US President Donald Trump’s concern over the escalating security situation in the region.
He urged Washington to press India to “dial down the rhetoric and act responsibly,” and categorically rejected Indian attempts to link Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack, calling instead for a transparent and neutral investigation.
Secretary Rubio reiterated the United States’ commitment to promoting peace and stability in South Asia, emphasizing the need for both Pakistan and India to work together to de-escalate the crisis.
The diplomatic exchange concluded with both sides agreeing to remain in close contact as the situation develops.
