“Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failings,” said Randhir Jaiswal. NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif’s “we’ll go to war over Indus” remark, dismissing it as an attempt by Islamabad to deflect attention from its human rights abuses.”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,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press brief.He also spoke on the ongoing protest in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying the agitation was a “direct consequence” of “systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation”.”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 in Pakistani state has responded with systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation, Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians,” Jaiswal said.Earlier, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif issued a warning to India, saying Islamabad could resort to military action if its water security comes under threat. His remarks come as Pakistan grapples with a worsening water crisis, more than a year after New Delhi suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack.Speaking in an interview with ARY News, Asif declared that “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.”Tensions built up across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between Pakistani security forces and anti-government protesters.Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds gathering in Barnala, Bhimber and Mirpur, while security personnel fired tear gas shells at protesters in Muzaffarabad. Other footage showed markets shut across the city as tensions escalated following clashes between workers of the Joint Awami Action Committee and Pakistani security forces.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPune’s Ketan Agarwal’s Death Was No Accident: Police | Fiancée & Alleged Lover Arrested For MurderMinority Affairs MoS George Kurian Resigns; BJP Veteran’s Exit Sparks Kerala Political Buzz | WatchFrom Airports To Your Aadhaar: What The Govt’s Facial Recognition Surveillance Platform Will AccessBattle For ‘Real TMC’ Intensifies As TMC Shuffles Leadership Amid Rebel Challenge | WatchJaipur Woman Arrested Over Alleged Pakistan Links; ATS Probes Jaish ConnectionFrom Central Park Tragedy To ‘Romanch’s Law’: How An Indian Teen’s Death Sparked A Major NYC DebateAjit Doval, Wang Yi Review India-China Ties, Border Progress At BRICS NSA Meeting In New DelhiAfter Lucknow Fire Killed 15, Kanpur Launches Safety Crackdown On Coaching CentresRow Erupts Over US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘Two Nations’ Remark After Meeting TN CM VijayCM Vijay’s First Detailed Assembly Speech: Hits Back At ‘Actor’s Party’ Jibe, Renews Anti-NEET Push123Photostories7 schools where India’s richest send their kidsFrom Delhi Gymkhana Club to Calcutta Club: 6 iconic clubs of India that have shaped the country’s culinary cultureBritish-inspired window designs: 7 elegant styles that can add timeless charm to Indian homesThis is the ‘Northernmost Capital on Earth’ and it offers midnight sun, geothermal streets and surreal viewsFrom pride parades to custody battles: 9 fathers who chose their children over society’s judgment”If it says organic, it must be…”: FSSAI shares 3 smart ways to check food certification at home5 places in India where brides buy imitation wedding jewellery that looks almost realPsychology says people who drink tea instead of coffee often think differentlyInside Hina Khan’s luxurious Mumbai home, reportedly worth around Rs 10 crore: Stunning skyline views, a glam vanity room and moreLove quote of the day by Emily Blunt: ‘There’s someone behind you on your good days, and someone in front…’123Hot PicksIPL tradeGold rate todayCUET UG Result 2026Telangana school bandhCBSE 12th revaluationMaldivian wisdomSpanish proverbMalay proverbPortuguese proverbTop TrendingGeorge KurianUS-Iran WarKunal ShahFIFA World Cup 2026Stock market crashCUET UG Result 2026Ketan AgarwalGold rate todayDelhi weatherMumbai rain
NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif’s “we’ll go to war over Indus” remark, dismissing it as an attempt by Islamabad to deflect attention from its human rights abuses.“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,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a press brief.He also spoke on the ongoing protest in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), saying the agitation was a “direct consequence” of “systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation”.“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 in Pakistani state has responded with systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression in areas under its illegal and forcible occupation, Pakistani state has responded with extreme police brutality, blocking of essential supplies and medicines, internet blackouts, and use of lethal force against unarmed civilians,” Jaiswal said.Earlier, Pakistan defence minister Khawaja Asif issued a warning to India, saying Islamabad could resort to military action if its water security comes under threat. His remarks come as Pakistan grapples with a worsening water crisis, more than a year after New Delhi suspended the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty in the aftermath of Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack.Speaking in an interview with ARY News, Asif declared that “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.”Tensions built up across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir after at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in clashes between Pakistani security forces and anti-government protesters.Videos circulating on social media showed large crowds gathering in Barnala, Bhimber and Mirpur, while security personnel fired tear gas shells at protesters in Muzaffarabad. Other footage showed markets shut across the city as tensions escalated following clashes between workers of the Joint Awami Action Committee and Pakistani security forces.
