Islamabad: Pakistan said it remains committed to the truce with India agreed upon after four days of intense fighting last week, but pledged to respond firmly to any future aggression by New Delhi. Islamabad’s comments came in response to a speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in which he warned Pakistan that New Delhi would target “terrorist hideouts” across the border again if there were new attacks on India, undeterred by what he called “nuclear blackmail.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated that Islamabad categorically rejects Modi’s “provocative and inflammatory statements.” The ministry emphasized that at a time when international efforts are underway for regional peace and stability, Modi’s statement represents a dangerous escalation.

The Foreign Ministry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the recent ceasefire understanding and noted that it is taking necessary steps towards de-escalation and regional stability. However, it warned that any future aggression would be met with the utmost firmness.

The recent hostilities between the two South Asian neighbors involved the launching of missiles and drones targeting each other’s military installations. This escalation followed India’s claim of striking “terrorist infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir in retaliation for an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, which resulted in the death of 26 men.

Pakistan refuted India’s accusations, stating that all targeted sites were civilian and denying involvement in the Kashmir attack. The Pakistani military reported 40 civilian and 11 armed forces casualties due to the attacks, whereas India reported the deaths of at least five military personnel and 16 civilians.

This conflict marked the worst fighting between the two countries in nearly three decades. A ceasefire was agreed upon on Saturday following diplomatic efforts and pressure from the United States.