India on Tuesday strongly rejected comments made by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif regarding a potential conflict over water security, describing the remarks as an attempt to divert attention from Pakistan’s internal challenges.
Responding to the statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan was trying to deflect scrutiny from its own shortcomings and human rights record.
“Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses. We categorically reject these fabricated claims with the contempt that they deserve. The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are a direct consequence of Pakistan’s decades-long policy of systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation,” Jaiswal said.
The response came after Asif, speaking to ARY News on June 20, warned of a possible conflict with India over water-related issues. “The moment we feel that our national security, and water is part of our national security, is being threatened, we will go to war against India. Definitely,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal also addressed the recent factory explosion in Qatar that claimed the lives of Indian nationals.
“It is a deeply tragic incident in which 12 Indian nationals lost their lives. Several people from other countries were also among the deceased. The explosion occurred at the Ras Laffan Gas Field, resulting in the deaths of 12 Indian citizens and injuries to many others. We have been informed that around 66 people of different nationalities sustained injuries. At present, it is not clear how many of the injured are Indian nationals, but all those hurt are reported to be safe,” he said.
Jaiswal added that Indian authorities are coordinating with local officials in Qatar regarding the identification of the deceased and the return of their mortal remains.
“We are in contact with the local authorities regarding the identification of the deceased and the arrangements for repatriating their mortal remains to India. We are also in touch with the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate accident,” he said.