Pakistan on Wednesday rejected India's criticism of its recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, maintaining that the operation was aimed at "terrorist infrastructure".
Pakistan defends Afghanistan strikes
Pakistan said it killed more than two dozen militants during strikes carried out in Afghanistan on June 29. The operation came after Islamabad accused militants based in Afghanistan of carrying out multiple attacks inside Pakistan.
India condemns civilian deaths
India on Monday strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory, in which several civilians were killed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the strikes as a "blatant act of aggression" and a "direct threat" to regional peace and stability.
"It reflects Pakistan's persistent pattern of reckless behaviour and its futile attempt to externalise internal failures through desperate acts of violence beyond its borders," the MEA said in a statement.
Pakistan rejects India's allegations
Responding to media queries on India's remarks, Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said, "Pakistan rejects the baseless statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Pakistan’s legitimate, targeted and proportionate actions against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan."
He also accused India of "actively aiding and sponsoring terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil against Pakistan." However, he did not provide any evidence to support the allegation.
The Foreign Office said Pakistan would continue to take all appropriate measures to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in accordance with international law.
