No plans for multi-country military alliance: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD  –  Pakistan yesterday ruled out joining any multi-country military alliance – reaffirming its commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking at the weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that Paki-stan’s foreign policy remains rooted in multilateralism, diplomacy, and the pursuit of regional and in-ternational peace.

“There are no plans for Pakistan to enter any military alliance,” Khan said in response to a question about recent speculation regarding trilateral and regional defence alignments.

“All the countries you named (China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh and Afghanistan) are Pakistan’s friends. We want to strengthen ties with all, but our approach remains anchored in dialogue, not mili-tary pacts,” he added.

He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent foreign policy direction: “Our approach will continue to remain an-chored in the principles of the UN Charter, and we will work closely with all members of the United Nations Security Council during our tenure.”

On the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Khan dismissed reports of alterna-tive regional arrangements. “Pakistan remains fully committed to SAARC and its charter,” he said. “All SAARC members, except one (India), are in favour of convening the next summit, which Pakistan is ready to host. The sole obstacle is well known. It is India that has been stymying regional cooperation and isolating itself within the South Asian framework.”

About India’s Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) stance, the FO spokesperson strongly denounced India’s ac-tions as illegal. “We have repeatedly stated that India’s unilateral move to place the IWT in abeyance has no legal standing under international law,” Khan said.

He welcomed the recent supplemental award, describing it as a “clear vindication of Pakistan’s stance” and a reaffirmation that the Treaty remains operative and vital to managing shared water resources. “India’s position is nothing but an illegality upon another illegality,” he remarked.

On India’s recent defence spending spree, Khan voiced alarm: “India’s $12.31 billion military buildup is deeply concerning. Contrary to its public statements, these procurements are configured for offensive use against Pakistan. This arms race has a destabilizing effect on regional peace, and we urge the in-ternational community to take note.”

Regarding the Pak-US defence ties, the spokesperson downplayed speculation of a gap in bilateral mil-itary cooperation. “The recent visit by Pakistan’s Air Chief to the US is part of our ongoing defence ex-changes. Historically, Pakistan-US defence ties have been robust and remain so.”

Commenting on Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government in Kabul, Khan said: “Russia is an im-portant regional player with legitimate security interests. Pakistan has cordial ties with Russia, and we note its decision as a matter between two sovereign states.”

On Palestine, the spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering position: “We stand with the Pales-tinian people in their just struggle for a sovereign and viable state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Our position is based on international law, justice, and opposition to occupation.”

Responding to a question about Indian assertions on the Pahalgam attack and nuclear blackmail, Khan said: “India blamed Pakistan without any investigation. Its aggression was responded to by Pakistan under the UN Charter’s self-defence clause. India’s rhetoric on nuclear blackmail is a reflection of its frustration over Pakistan’s effective deterrence. Our conventional capabilities are sufficient.”

On counter-terrorism, Khan said: “We are deeply concerned over continued use of Afghan soil by ter-rorists targeting Pakistan. These issues have been raised repeatedly with the Afghan authorities. Fur-thermore, India’s role in sponsoring terrorism against Pakistan is also evident.”

Regarding expiring Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees, the FO spokesperson con-firmed the matter was under consideration. “We are in consultation with the Ministries of SAFRON and Interior, and updates will be shared as policy decisions are finalized.”

To a question on China, Khan said Pakistan remains firmly aligned with Beijing on its core interests, in-cluding Tibet. “Tibet is China’s internal matter, and we oppose any attempt to undermine China’s sov-ereignty.”

Summarizing Pakistan’s diplomatic posture, Khan said Pakistan “prefers dialogue over confrontation. The path of reconciliation is open. It is now up to India whether it continues down the road of belliger-ence or chooses diplomacy and peace.”