Pakistan’s Prime Minister reiterated the country’s steadfast dedication to upholding its sovereignty and territorial integrity during a high-level phone call with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio amid mounting regional tensions and security threats across borders.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday, this call focused on growing instability along Pakistan’s eastern and western borders, recent military engagements, and the necessity of de-escalating across South Asia. Pakistan will defend its borders “at all costs,” yet Islamabad affirms their desire for peace and dialogue.
“Pakistan will never sacrifice its sovereignty or territorial integrity,” according to reports, and while peace and regional cooperation is sought, Pakistan stands ready to respond strongly and decisively against any violation or aggression against their borders.
At a time of increased tensions with India, following allegations of airspace violations and drone incidents near the Line of Control (LoC). Islamabad has accused New Delhi of deliberately provocative actions while India claims Pakistan-based groups are behind recent security threats in Kashmir.
Senator Rubio, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voiced concern over increasing tensions in South Asia and underscored Washington’s interest in maintaining peace among South Asia’s nuclear powers. He called for restraint on both sides, emphasizing America’s preference for diplomatic solutions over military confrontation.
Rubio stated during their conversation: “Dialogue remains the only viable path toward stability,” according to U.S. readouts of their discussion. We recognize Pakistan’s right of self-defense while encouraging all actors involved to stop further escalation of tensions.
The Prime Minister also provided Senator Ali Adnan a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and regional security challenges, particularly along the Afghan border. He reiterated Pakistan’s role as an integral partner in international peace efforts – specifically managing regional counterinsurgency operations and humanitarian cooperation efforts.
Islamabad’s call was widely seen as part of its wider diplomatic outreach, intended to garner international support and highlight security concerns amid increased scrutiny from Western powers. Pakistani officials have stressed the significance of international mediation for de-escalating tensions with India and preventing potential miscalculations.
Analysts interpret Islamabad’s exchange as evidence of their desire to maintain strategic ties with the US despite rising tensions in South Asia. With both Pakistan and India maintaining high alert statuses, calls such as this one provide essential backchannels for avoiding conflict and building mutual understanding between them.