ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, held in-depth discussions with leading U.S. think tank experts this week, focusing on the evolving regional security dynamics in South Asia. The dialogue covered India-Pakistan relations, the Kashmir dispute, the role of nuclear deterrence, and the importance of international engagement in maintaining regional peace.
Kashmir Remains Central to South Asia Tensions
Ambassador Sheikh reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that India’s unilateral revocation of Article 370 in 2019 violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 122.
“India remains the greatest obstacle to implementing United Nations resolutions on the Kashmir issue,” he said. “These resolutions are just as relevant today as they were over seventy years ago.”
He added that the recent display of a map of “Akhand Bharat” in the Indian Parliament underscored what he described as India’s “expansionist ambitions,” which continue to fuel regional instability.
U.S. Role in De-escalation and Fragile Ceasefire
Ambassador Sheikh acknowledged the United States’ role in facilitating a recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, commending efforts by U.S. leadership—particularly former President Donald Trump—for helping to reduce tensions during the latest standoff.
He warned, however, that the ceasefire remains delicate due to India’s continued provocative rhetoric, and called for international vigilance to ensure it holds.
“The current ceasefire is fragile, and continued aggressive statements from India raise questions about its sustainability,” he noted.
Nuclear Deterrence and Restraint
Highlighting Pakistan’s defense posture, Sheikh stated that the country’s nuclear capability plays a critical role in maintaining strategic balance with India, offsetting conventional military disparities and deterring full-scale conflict.
He also emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to restraint during recent escalations, pointing out that its forces avoided targeting Indian civilian areas.
Allegations of Indian Activities Abroad
Ambassador Sheikh further criticized India’s actions on the international stage, referencing incidents in the United States and Canada, which he described as breaches of international law.
“India’s disregard for global norms demands attention and accountability from the international community,” he asserted.
He urged the U.S. and other global actors to hold India to the same standards of responsibility expected of all nations, warning of the broader implications of unchecked regional aggression.
Afghanistan and Regional Connectivity
Turning to Afghanistan, the ambassador noted that Pakistan remains the most affected country by instability there. He called for sustained peace in Afghanistan to facilitate economic integration with Central Asia, which could transform regional trade and development.
