ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the escalating tensions in South Asia. During the call, the Prime Minister strongly condemned India’s recent missile and drone strikes, which resulted in the deaths of 31 civilians, the injury of 57 others, and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
The Prime Minister stressed that these attacks were a direct violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, threatening regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed Pakistan's firm commitment to defending its sovereignty at all costs, noting that the people of Pakistan were deeply outraged by India’s unprovoked actions.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, PM Sharif highlighted the country’s resolve to take appropriate measures to protect its citizens and territory. He also acknowledged President Trump's concern regarding the situation in South Asia.
Secretary Rubio conveyed that the US was closely monitoring the situation and remained committed to supporting peace and stability in the region. He underscored the importance of both Pakistan and India working together to de-escalate tensions and agreed to maintain communication to address the crisis.