Islamabad: Pakistan on Monday rejected comments made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during his Vadodara address, where he drew comparisons between India’s IT (information technology) industry with the “neighboring” IT (international terrorism) industry.
During his address, Jaishankar said that just as India is an expert in information technology, “our neighbor is an expert in international terrorism” and warned that if terrorism “is being done against us, tomorrow it will be against you.” ”
“We have a neighbor.. like we are experts in IT, they specialize in ‘international terrorists’. This has been going on for years… but we can explain to the world that terrorism is terrorism, today it is happening done against us, tomorrow it will be against you,” Jaishankar said at an event in Gujarat’s Vadodara.
He said that now the world’s understanding of terrorism has changed as compared to earlier times and it is no longer being tolerated. “Countries that use terrorism are under pressure and are reluctant to go further,” Jaishankar said.
Even though Jaishankar did not name Pakistan during his speech, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said that it was pointing against him. “Pakistan categorically rejects the highly irresponsible and unnecessary remarks of the Indian External Affairs Minister in Vadodara, India emphasizing Pakistan’s alleged involvement in international terrorism,” Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It said, “Pakistan is the only country that has stopped the tide of terror directed against it from elements and states with hostile motives.” These remarks are contrary to the persistent UN reports on terrorism and the evidence presented by India at the global forum regarding Pakistan’s terror module.
Meanwhile, India had said that it wants normal neighborly relations with Pakistan. India’s consistent stand is that the conflict between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally and peacefully in an environment free from terrorism and violence.
It is the responsibility of Pakistan to create such a conducive environment. Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism against India; restricting normal trade, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges; and engage in hostile and fabricated propaganda to defame India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “India, as a result of its active engagement with the international community, has successfully thwarted Pakistan’s deceptive attempts to present an alarming picture of the situation in the region and interfere in India’s internal affairs.” said in its annual report.