*ISLAMABAD:* Pakistan on Friday ruled out the possibility of any meetingbetween Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart NarendraModi during the upcoming *Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Councilof Heads of State summit in China*.
Foreign Office Spokesperson *Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan*, while addressinga weekly press briefing in Islamabad, clarified that “there is no plannedengagement” between the two leaders.Concerns Over India’s Arms Build-Up
The spokesperson expressed *serious concern over India’s increasingmilitary procurement*, warning that such expansion poses a *grave threat toregional stability and Pakistan’s national security*.
He criticised the international community for ignoring India’s “aggressivepursuit of military capabilities,” which, he said, *exceed legitimatedefence requirements* and undermine regional peace.
“Pakistan possesses the capability to respond effectively and defend itsterritorial integrity and sovereignty,” he asserted, reaffirming thecountry’s commitment to maintaining a *full spectrum deterrence* forensuring peace and stability in South Asia.Pakistan Rejects Indian Allegations
Responding to questions on a recent statement by India’s Ministry ofExternal Affairs, Ambassador Khan strongly rejected what he called *“baselessinsinuations”* and accused New Delhi of having a *chronic tendency todistort facts*.
“The Indian narrative of so-called nuclear blackmail is misleading,self-serving, and aimed at maligning Pakistan,” he said, stressing thatPakistan is a *responsible nuclear-weapon state* with a *robustcommand-and-control system under full civilian oversight*.
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He added that Pakistan has consistently exercised *restraint and discipline*on matters of strategic importance.Counterterrorism Role Highlighted
Ambassador Khan also highlighted Pakistan’s *sustained counterterrorismefforts*, which he said are internationally recognised.
“Our security forces have acted as a bulwark against terrorism, not justfor Pakistan but also for regional stability and global security,” he noted.Warning of Response to Aggression
The spokesperson concluded with a warning to India, stating:“Any act of Indian aggression or violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty willbe met with an immediate and matching response. The onus of any escalationwill rest squarely with the Indian leadership.”