Ambassador forcefully defends Pakistan’s stance in global media blitz

Special Correspondent 

NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh through his active engagement with the international media forcefully  underscored Pakistan’s position on the escalating tensions with India.

In his interviews, he consistently emphasized the importance of peaceful resolution through dialogue, while firmly rejecting what he called politically motivated allegations against Pakistan by India. He reiterated Pakistan’s stance that its recent military actions were in self-defense, responding to what it views as unprovoked Indian aggression.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has recently participated in interviews with major international media outlets, including CNN and BBC, to address the escalating tensions between Pakistan and India.

‎In his interview with CNN, Ambassador Sheikh confirmed that there have been communications between India and Pakistan at the level of their respective National Security Councils. 

He emphasized that the responsibility for de-escalating the situation lies with India, especially after recent deadly clashes that resulted in nearly 50 casualties.  He also highlighted the pressure from Pakistani public opinion, which may limit the government’s ability to exercise restraint.

During his appearance on PBS NewsHour, Ambassador Sheikh labeled India’s recent missile strikes as a “blatant act of aggression” and stated that Pakistan’s response, which included downing five Indian fighter jets, was conducted in self-defense.  He reiterated Pakistan’s offer for a neutral investigation into the initial attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, which India attributes to Pakistan – a claim that Pakistan denies.

‎In a BBC interview, Ambassador Sheikh continued to advocate for dialogue and de-escalation, while firmly rejecting India’s allegations of terrorism support as unfounded and politically motivated.  He warned that Pakistan reserves the right to respond to any further aggression.

‎These diplomatic engagements come amid international efforts to mediate the conflict.  The United States, along with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, has facilitated a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, aiming to halt weeks of hostilities and open avenues for further dialogue.