KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 (Alliance News): Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary for Asia-Pacific, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, represented the country at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Senior Officials Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, where he raised key concerns about the South Asian security environment.
Siddiqui emphasized that the longstanding Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core obstacle to peace in the region. He rejected India’s allegations related to the April 22 Pahalgam incident and denounced India’s May 7 military actions as violations of international law.
He asserted that Pakistan’s response on May 10 was a legitimate and proportionate act of self-defence, strictly aimed at military targets to avoid civilian harm.
He also criticized India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a serious breach of international obligations, and rejected the notion of a “new normal” based on aggression.
Siddiqui welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution through dialogue, in line with the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
On counter-terrorism, Siddiqui outlined Pakistan’s comprehensive approach, stressing the country’s sacrifices and the need to address root causes like poverty, injustice, and foreign occupation.
He warned against the misuse of counter-terrorism to marginalize Muslim communities and highlighted rising Islamophobia.
The Additional Secretary expressed concern over cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil and urged global cooperation to prevent its use against Pakistan.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine and condemned the ongoing violence in the occupied territories.
Addressing regional maritime tensions, Siddiqui called for restraint in the South China Sea and reiterated support for the One China Policy and non-interference in China’s domestic affairs.
He also stressed the urgent need for climate justice, urging developed nations to honor their commitments on finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
On the sidelines of the forum, Siddiqui held bilateral meetings with representatives from Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Australia, and the ASEAN Deputy Secretary General to discuss bilateral cooperation and Pakistan’s bid for Full Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN.
Established in 1994, the ARF serves as a key security dialogue platform for 27 Asia-Pacific countries, including Pakistan, which became its 24th member the same year.
