Pakistan has expressed surprise at statements made by former Indian diplomat Ajay Bisaria regarding the events surrounding the 2019 Balakot strike. According to Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office, such remarks from a professional diplomat are unexpected. Baloch mentioned that she hasn’t read Bisaria’s book but learned about it from media reports.
Addressing the press in Islamabad, Baloch stated that the Pulwama incident was staged for political reasons, reflecting what she called India’s fascist mindset. She emphasized that the Balakot airstrike turned into a nightmare for India, as the Pakistan Air Force successfully shot down Indian planes.
Bisaria, in his upcoming book titled “The Anger Management: The Troubled Diplomatic Relationship between India and Pakistan,” claimed that on the night of February 27, 2019, a day after the Balakot airstrike, Pakistan feared an imminent attack from India. He alleged that Prime Minister Imran Khan made a midnight call to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid a military crisis.
Baloch also condemned the terrorist attack in Iran’s Kerman, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives near the burial site of Qasem Soleimani, the slain military commander.
Regarding Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s visit to Kabul, Baloch clarified that the Pakistani government does not support it. She mentioned that Fazlur Rahman went to Afghanistan in a private capacity, and while the government is not endorsing the visit, the Foreign Office will seek a briefing from him.
Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s stance on dialogue with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), stating that Pakistan is not interested in talks with the banned group. She called for action by the Afghan interim government against TTP terrorists.
Addressing the visit of Afghan Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi, Baloch mentioned that various issues were discussed during the meeting, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
In terms of international affairs, Pakistan expressed support for South Africa’s plea in the International Court of Justice concerning Israel’s violations of its obligations under the 1951 genocide convention in relation to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Baloch stated that Pakistan shares the concerns raised in South Africa’s application, condemning Israel’s actions as war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Foreign Office reiterated its call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people, and the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Pakistan emphasized its belief in a just solution to the Palestinian question, advocating for the creation of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.