China throws its weight behind Pakistan over 'sovereignty, security interests'

BEIJING/RAWALPINDI/LAHORE/SUKKUR: BEIJING: China said Sunday it fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, and underlined the iron-clad friendship and all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying China has consistently supported Pakistan’s firm stance on counterterrorism efforts, on Sunday, the CGTN reported.During the call, Dar provided an update on the tense relations between Pakistan and India due to recent terrorist attacks in the occupied Kashmir region (Pehalgam incident). The Pakistani foreign minister emphasized that Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and opposes actions that could escalate the situation further.

Dar also said that Pakistan is focused on managing the situation in a mature manner and intends to maintain communication with China and the international community throughout the process.

In response, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, expressed China’s close attention to the evolving situation.

Wang said that combating terrorism is a shared responsibility for all nations, and China has consistently supported Pakistan’s firm stance on counterterrorism efforts.

Noting the iron-clad friendship and all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, Wang said China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests.

Wang also voiced China’s support for a fair and timely investigation into the attacks. He said that conflicts between Pakistan and India do not serve the fundamental interests of each side and also pose a threat to regional peace and stability.

Wang urged both Pakistan and India to exercise restraint, engage in dialogue, and work together to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region.

Earlier, in a timely blitz, the security forces have eliminated 54 Khwarij in North Waziristan District, thwarting a high-profile attempt — assisted by their ‘foreign masters’ — to undertake high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan.

“On the night 25/26 and 26/27 April 2025, movement of a large group of Khwarij, who were trying to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by the security forces in general area Hassan Khel of North Waziristan District.

“The troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, all 54 Khwarij were gunned down,” said a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered.

Intelligence reports indicate that this group of Khwarij was specifically infiltrating on behest of their ‘foreign masters’ to undertake high-profile terrorist activities inside Pakistan.

Such actions by Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), at a time when India is leveling baseless accusations against Pakistan, clearly implies on whose cues FAK is operating, the statement said.

Such actions amount to treason and betrayal against the state and its citizens.

Recently, the NSC also underscored the fact that distracting Pakistan’s security forces from their focus on the war against terror seemed to be the strategic intent of India to allow a breathing space to FAK, which was reeling from the onslaught of our armed forces resolute offensive against them, it further said.

The security forces demonstrated exceptional professionalism, vigilance and preparedness and prevented a potential catastrophe.

This is the highest ever number of Khwarij killed by our security forces in a single engagement during the entire campaign against terrorism.

“The Security Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and unwavering in their commitment to defend the nation’s frontiers and to eradicate terrorism.

“Such bold and decisive actions further strengthen our collective resolve and underscore that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism, while achieving significant successes against terrorists,” it further said.

The killing of 54 Khwarij by the security forces Sunday drew a deluge of praise from the country’s political leadership.

Prime Minister: In a statement, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid a rich tribute to the security forces for eliminating 54 Khwarij terrorists and commended the forces for their outstanding professionalism and timely response.

“The security forces have once again demonstrated excellent professional skills by intercepting the terrorists in a timely manner,” the prime minister said.

Highlighting the nation’s resolve against terrorism, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that the entire nation stood firmly with the security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism.

He reaffirmed that the security forces remain steadfast in their commitment to defending the country’s borders and eradicating terrorism.

“These successful operations clearly indicate that Pakistan is winning the war against terrorism and achieving significant victories against the terrorists,” he added.

President: President Asif Ali Zardari lauded the security forces for foiling the terrorists’ intrusion from Afghanistan and said the brave security forces were always ready to safeguard the country’s borders.

Thwarting the intrusion of terrorists is a big success, he added. The president expressed determination to completely eradicate terrorism and protect borders of the country.

Defence Minister: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the entire Pakistan was united with its armed forces and will give a strong response to the Modi government just like we responded in Pulwama incident.

In an exclusive conversation with a private news channel, he emphasized that the nation was united with its armed forces and will take a firm stance against any aggression. He cautioned that a conflict between two nuclear powers would pose a significant threat to the regional and global peace.

Asif further said this matter had been brought to the attention of the world community, which could launch an investigation. However, “if things escalate, no one can stop us,” he warned, adding, “If Modi chooses to escalate tensions, we will chase him all the way home.”

He said Modi was known for spreading false propaganda, repeating the same tactics used during Pulwama. However, Pakistan is strong enough to respond effectively, he added.

Responding to a query, he categorically said the nation and armed forces were ready to defend the country’s sovereignty, and no compromise will be made on this principle.

He also appreciated the Pakistani media for effectively countering the Indian media’s misinformation campaigns and bringing the truth to light.

To another question, the minister said Pakistan maintained regular communication and engagement with its neighbours.

Interior Minister: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi hailed the security forces for eliminating 54 Khwarij terrorists during a meticulously planned operation.

Addressing a press conference at Lahore, the minister disclosed that the security forces had received credible intelligence indicating that a group of terrorists was attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan.

Acting on this information, the forces allowed the group to cross the border before launching a coordinated attack from three sides, resulting in the elimination of all 54 militants.

“This is the largest number of terrorists killed in a single operation so far.

Until today, such a significant blow to terrorism has not been achieved at once,” Naqvi stated.

He added that the intelligence agencies had intercepted communications days prior, confirming that the terrorists’ foreign handlers were pushing them to enter Pakistan urgently and carry out attacks.

In addition to the operation, security forces also recovered another IED, raising the number of recovered IEDs to eight.

“Whatever move the terrorists are making is being intercepted or thwarted,” he said, stressing that the Khwarij movement was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has praised the security forces for successfully thwarting a terrorist infiltration attempt, eliminating 54 terrorists, Imtiaz Hussain from Sukkur reports.

In a statement, he said the dedication and bravery with which the soldiers of our security forces were defending the country’s borders was truly a matter of pride.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan was determined to completely eliminate terrorism.

He also paid tribute to the security forces for killing 15 terrorists in three separate operations conducted in Karak, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan on Saturday.

He said nation stood united behind its security forces. He also expressed grief over the martyrdom of two security personnel during the operations and paid rich tribute to Lance Naik Usman Mohmand and Sepoy Imran.

AFP adds: Meanwhile, troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire at the Line of Control (LoC) for a third night in a row, officials said Sunday, as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals plunged to their lowest level in years.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” after gunmen killed 26 people in the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century.

Islamabad has denied any involvement, calling attempts to link Pakistan to the attack “frivolous” and vowing to respond to any Indian action.

Indian Navy’s missile firing drill: The Indian Navy Sunday said its warships had successfully conducted anti-ship missile firings in the Arabian Sea, revalidating readiness for long-range precision strikes.

The exercise was aimed at demonstrating the navy’s combat readiness and its capability to safeguard India’s maritime interests, reports the international media.

The firing drills were conducted amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

In a post on social media platform X, Indian Navy said: “Indian Navy Ships undertook successful multiple anti-ship firings to revalidate and demonstrate readiness of platforms, systems and crew for long range precision offensive strike.”

“Indian Navy stands combat ready, credible and future ready in safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests anytime anywhere anyhow,” it also said.

Attaullah Tarar: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar firmly rejected India’s propaganda about the Pahalgam incident which is being used to divert global attention from the counter-terrorism efforts of Pakistan.

Addressing the foreign media in Islamabad on Sunday, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s position as a frontline state in the war against terror, stating, “Pakistan is a victim of terrorism, as no other state has laid down 90,000 lives in the war against terror,” APP reports.

He highlighted the immense sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, and civilians for both national and global peace, noting the economy had suffered losses in the “hundreds of billions of dollars”.

“We are the wall between terrorists and the world, and Pakistan needs to be strengthened and supported in its war against terrorism,” he urged.

“We will continue to protect our citizens and the citizens of world, and promote global peace by countering these terrorists who are trying to impose their own ideology in certain areas by spilling blood of civilian and personnel of armed forces,” he remarked.

“To me, Pahalgam episode seems like a distraction because we are gaining lot of successes in our western regions against these terrorists,” he said while highlighting Indian frustration over economic improvement in Pakistan.

He questioned India’s narrative surrounding the Pahalgam incident, pointing out the area’s distance from the Line of Control which is over 150km, and also rapid registration of an FIR within 10 minutes of the incident.

“Is that possible for any investigative agency to register an FIR within 10 minutes of incident?” he asked, adding it completely negated the standard procedures involving site visits, evidence collection, and forensic analysis.

“Why is it that the FIR is registered within 10 minutes of incident and blame put on Pakistan and it is said that it has been sponsored from across the border,” he said, asking how could a country which is frontline state against terrorism, be held responsible for such events.

“I believe our neighbor has preconceived notion about this incident and may be the sole purpose was to pin the blame on Pakistan,” the minister said, adding “The reason we called for impartial and transparent investigation of incident because our hands are clean.”

Tarar also highlighted internal questions being raised within India regarding the Pahalgam incident, citing reports of victims not receiving timely first aid and questionable social media narratives.

He recalled an interview of the one of the sisters of one of the victims who said her brother was not given first aid after the incident.

Tarar asked “why the photoshoot took place and nobody actually coming to check his vital signs to see if he is still alive.”

“How can a video of an Indian couple be wrongly attributed to a naval officer who was killed in the incident,” he said, highlighting how the couple came on the media later and said, “This is us, not that couple which suffered in this incident.”

He asked why India failed to deploy security in the tourist areas while it had deployed 900,000 security personnel across Kashmir.

“You can deploy 900,000 security personnel in Kashmir but are unable to have any deployment at the tourist spot to protect your citizens and without proof pin the blame on Pakistan,” he questioned.

“It seems to me the whole episode was done for one of the most valuable resources these days and that is water,” he said, condemning India’s unilateral action to suspend the Indus Water Treaty.

He called the suspension of the treaty as an “immature and childish” act on the part of India.

He cited the principles of public international law, saying, “When there are two parties in a treaty and they agree with mutual consent... that treaty cannot be revoked, suspended and terminated unilaterally. It has to be done mutually.”

He warned that targeting Pakistan’s water, crucial for its agrarian economy, would be an “act of usurpation, an unfair and unjust measure.”

Tarar affirmed Pakistan’s stance, stating, “The prime minister and National Security Committee have made it very clear that any attempt to divert or stop water of Pakistan will be responded with full might and power.”

The minister cautioned India against misinterpreting Pakistan’s stance as weakness.

“Let me reiterate they should not at all take our words as weakness. Pakistan has always defended itself and will continue to do so,” he said, referring Pakistan’s response post-Pulwama.

“We are a very good host and serve the tea on the way out,” he added.

“We are ready and capable to respond any misadventure with full force and might.” He assured that Pakistan was briefing its international partners on its position and India’s lack of substantiated evidence.

He highlighted the Kashmiris were facing the wrath of India in the aftermath of Pahalgam incident.

“Houses are being demolished, people are picked up and detained and women and children subjected to torture under the garb of this incident,” he added.

“We will and we shall continue to support the right to self-determination of Kashmiri people morally, diplomatically and legally,” he stressed.

He said Pakistan had credible and irrefutable evidence of India’s involvement in harboring terrorism and funding terrorists in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“I would like to highlight the situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which recently you all have witnessed, especially the Jaffar Express episode, which was an unusual event where hijacking took place,” he noted.

The whole world condemned hijacking, but India failed to condemn the incident which was yet another proof of its involvement in sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan.

“Why our neighbor refrained from condemning the Jaffar Express incident... why was there hesitation on part of our eastern neighbor to issue a simple statement of condemnation,” he questioned.

“India celebrates when Pakistan faces terrorist attacks,” he regretted.

The minister cited the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a commissioned officer of Indian navy, involved in espionage in Pakistan and found to be involved in harbouring and supporting terrorists, as a proof of India’s involvement.

He further pointed to the transnational assassination of Sikh leaders in countries like Canada and the US, and attacks on Pakistan’s High Commission in London by individuals backed by Indian state and agencies as evidence of India’s extremist ideology and hostile actions.

AFP adds: Meanwhile, troops from Pakistan and India exchanged fire at the Line of Control (LoC) for a third night in a row, officials said Sunday, as relations between the nuclear-armed rivals plunged to their lowest level in years.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting “cross-border terrorism” after gunmen killed 26 people in the worst attack on civilians in contested Muslim-majority Kashmir for a quarter of a century.

Islamabad has denied any involvement, calling attempts to link Pakistan to the attack “frivolous” and vowing to respond to any Indian action.