FO rejects, conveys concerns to US over 'unwarranted' references to Pakistan in US-India joint statement

Rejecting the 'unwarranted references' to Pakistan in the statement issued by the US-India Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group and Designations Dialogue, Pakistan has conveyed its serious concerns to the US side.

On September 10, a joint statement was issued by US and India in which it underlined the urgent need for Pakistan to take an immediate and irreversible action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for terrorist attacks.

"And to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot. The U.S. reiterated its support for the people and government of India in the fight against terrorism," the statement said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Foreign Office (FO) said that Pakistan's serious concerns and rejection of the unacceptable reference to it has been conveyed to the US.

The FO said it is important that partner countries take an objective view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia. It further said that partner countries should refrain from 'endorsing positions that are one-sided and divorced from ground realities'.

"The international community is well-aware that Pakistan is a country most affected by cross-border terrorism, sponsored and supported by India. The international community also recognizes Pakistan’s efforts, sacrifices and successes in the fight against terrorism," FO statement said.

Pakistan has repeatedly underlined that peace and stability in South Asia is threatened by the irresponsible policies and actions of the RSS-BJP regime in India.

The international community must urge India to reverse course and desist from playing a role detrimental to regional peace and stability, FO said.