NEW DELHI: Govt on Tuesday trashed Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks threatening war against India over suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, describing them as a desperate attempt by Islamabad to divert attention from its own failings and human rights record. “We have seen some reports on the matter. Such remarks are desperate attempts by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. “We categorically reject these fabricated claims.”Jaiswal said ongoing protests in PoK stem from Pakistan’s “systemic economic exploitation, denial of fundamental rights, and administrative oppression” in the region. He alleged Pakistan responded with brutality, including supply blockades, net blackouts and lethal force against civilians.On Bangladesh’s protest over adviser Zahed Ur Rahman being stopped at Delhi airport, Jaiswal said he was questioned, later permitted entry, but chose to return to Dhaka.
