Sindh’s Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has issued a strong warning to India, stating that any act of war against Pakistan would be tantamount to “political and military suicide.”
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Memon stressed that Pakistan, as a nuclear power with highly capable armed forces, is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty. “Pakistan possesses one of the world’s finest armies, navies and air forces,” he said. “Every citizen stands ready to protect the motherland.”
Memon made the remarks in response to Indian allegations implicating Pakistan in a recent incident in Pahalgam. He categorically denied any involvement, dismissing the claims as “false and unfounded.”
Terrorism Claims Rejected
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding condemnation of terrorism and accused India of hypocrisy, stating that while Pakistan has dismantled terrorist networks on its soil, India has been actively involved in sponsoring terrorism within Pakistan’s borders.
“Over 70,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives in this struggle against terrorism,” he said. “Our former Prime Minister, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, was herself a victim. Children, youth, and elders have all made sacrifices.”
He accused India of exploiting the post-9/11 global focus on counterterrorism to wrongfully characterise the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination as terrorism, thereby deflecting international attention from the situation in occupied Kashmir.
Kashmir and Human Rights Concerns
Turning to the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, Memon condemned what he described as ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces in the region. He alleged that Kashmiri leaders have been jailed on fabricated charges, innocent civilians have been killed, and the local population continues to be oppressed through excessive force.
He also criticised India for allegedly breaching United Nations resolutions regarding Kashmir, calling for renewed international attention on the matter.
Call for Independent Investigation
Referring to the Pahalgam incident, Memon said it reflected a wider pattern of misinformation and propaganda by India aimed at misleading the international community. He called for an “independent, impartial and transparent” investigation to uncover the truth.
Kulbhushan Jadhav and Indian Media Censorship
The minister pointed to the case of Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav, convicted in Pakistan for espionage and terrorism, as further evidence of India’s covert activities. He claimed the case had already “exposed India’s true face.”
Memon also criticised the Indian government for blocking Pakistani media platforms and YouTube channels, contrasting this with what he described as Pakistan’s commitment to freedom of expression. “India is already showing signs of fear and panic,” he said.
Indus Waters Treaty Warning
In a stark warning over regional stability, Memon referenced remarks by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. “If the river Indus is denied its natural flow,” he quoted, “then blood will flow in its place.”
While reaffirming Pakistan’s preference for peace, Memon underlined that the country will not compromise on its sovereignty or territorial integrity. “Pakistan seeks peace, not conflict,” he said. “But any aggression will be met with an appropriate and forceful response.”
