‘Reckless provocation’: Pakistan hits back at Modi for terror allegations

Pakistan has hit back at Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, terming his remarks from a recent political rally “reckless provocations.”

“To end terrorism in Pakistan, the people of Pakistan need to step forward. Live peacefully and eat your bread, or else my bullet is ready,” the Indian premier Monday said at a rally in his home state of Gujarat’s Bhuj.

He said that those who “fanned terror had not even imagined in their dreams how difficult it was to face Modi”.

“Ever since Pakistan was born, it has focused on enmity with India, while we in India have focused on removing poverty, growth and development,” he said while addressing a public rally in Dahod later in the day.

Strongly reacting to Modi’s reckless statements, Islamabad described the remarks as hate-driven. In a statement, the Foreign Office (FO) said the remarks were a “theatrical flourish of a campaign rally rather than the sobriety expected from the leader of a nuclear-armed state”.

“The hate-driven invocation of violence in his remarks is deeply disturbing, not only for its content but for the dangerous precedent it sets in a region already burdened by volatility,” the statement added.

Stressing that the Indian leader's remarks were deeply disturbing, the FO said, “This kind of inflammatory rhetoric goes against the core principles of the United Nations Charter.”

Additionally, the FO underscored that all member states were obliged to resolve disputes peacefully and refrain from the threat or use of force against the sovereignty and political independence of other nations

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It merits a mention that the Indian premier’s rhetoric comes following Pakistan’s swift and befitting response to New Delhi’s cross-border aggression. In retaliation to unprovoked missile strikes, Pakistan, earlier this month, destroyed multiple Indian airbases.

Separately, PM Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that for the sake of regional peace, Pakistan was prepared to hold talks with India, reiterating that the country desired peace and stability in South Asia.

“We want peace… we are ready to engage in dialogue for the resolution of all disputes, including the issue of Kashmir,” the Pakistani premier said while addressing a joint press conference along with Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran.

During the presser, PM Shehbaz also emphasised that Pakistan was a peaceful country that sought harmony in the region, however, any act of aggression would always be met with a strong and effective response.