Islamabad:Pakistan has urged the international community to be mindful of the destabilizing impact of their arms transfer to India on regional stability and fanning its hegemonic ambitions.
At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan also voiced serious concerns over Indian involvement in target killings inside Pakistan and other countries. He said Pakistan has highlighted it and also is in contact with a lot of other countries on the matter.
Responding to a question, the FO spokesperson said Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute is crystal clear. He said we draw attention of international community to horrendous acts being perpetrated by India against Kashmiri people. He emphasized the peaceful settlement of the longstanding dispute according to the wishes of Kashmiri people and the UN Security Council resolutions for a stable South Asia.
To a question, Shafqat Ali Khan said the proposal to displace the people of Gaza is deeply troubling and unjust. He emphasized the Palestinian land belongs to the Palestinian people and the only viable and just option is the two state solution in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
When asked about contacts with the new US administration, the spokesperson said we remain engaged with the US at multiple levels. He said Pakistan desires to further solidify this important relationship.
FO spokesperson extended deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the victims of the recent attack on Saudi Hospital in Al-Fasher, Sudan. He said that the attack leading to unforunate deaths supposedly of seventy people clearly violates international law and puts innocent civilians at grave risk. Pakistan believes that the conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. We express full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan, FO spokesperson said.
Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless and unfounded allegations to target Pakistan China friendship. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the foundational principle of One-China Policy which is a consistent cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and remains unchanged. We reiterate that China is Pakistan's all-weather strategic partner, and this relationship is characterized by mutual trust, shared values, support on issues of core concern and a commitment to regional and global stability.
He said that the ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the repatriation of 22 Pakistani survivors of the recent maritime incident near the Dakhla port in Morocco. Following thorough investigations and careful coordination with Moroccan authorities, these individuals will be returned to Pakistan in batches. And I can inform media that first batch has arrived through two flights in Islamabad.
Shafqat Ali Khan said the Pakistan Embassy in Rabat is in close coordination with the Moroccan authorities to oversee the relief efforts and finalize the complex repatriation procedure.
He said that the welfare of Pakistani nationals abroad remains an important priority of the government and it will continue to work to extend all possible facilitation in this regard. Further updates will be shared as the repatriation efforts move forward.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that Pakistan is set to host AMAN-25; the ninth edition of multinational AMAN exercise from February 7 to 11. A key feature of this year's exercise will be the AMAN Dialogue, where Chiefs of Naval Forces, heads of Coast Guards, and senior leaders from around the world will convene to discuss regional maritime security and devise joint strategies to counter evolving maritime threats.
He said that around 60 countries will participate in AMAN-25, contributing with ships, aircraft, Special Operations Forces (SOF), Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, Marines, and observers. Delegations from across the globe will also attend the inaugural International AMAN Dialogue, which will take place alongside the exercise.
Shafqat Ali Khan said the AMAN series has been a hallmark of Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and cooperation. Launched in 2007, the inaugural exercise saw participation of 28 countries. By 2023, the number of participating nations had grown to 50, including major naval powers. The motto of the AMAN series, 'Together for Peace,' reflects its core mission, while this year's theme, 'Secure Seas; Prosperous Future,' emphasizes the importance of maritime security for global prosperity.
Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan condemns the Israeli withdrawal from 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA and its efforts to hamper UNRWA's ability to fulfill its mandate of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza valley. This ban would lead to further instability and worsening of humanitarian situation in Gaza as the region and its people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance and support.
He said that Pakistan condemns the continued Israeli aggression in West Bank. Latest Israeli military raid in the Jenin and Balata Refugee Camps of the West Bank resulting in the killing of a 2-year toddler along with killing and injuring of several Palestinians is reprehensible and condemnable. We call on the international community to break its silence on continuous acts of brutality by Israel against innocent Palestinians.
He said that Pakistan notes with concern the refusal by Israeli forces to withdraw from South of Lebanon on 26th January. We condemn the killing of 24 civilians including six women. It is worrying that Israel's killing spree in southern Lebanon continues despite a ceasefire in place since November 27.
Shafqat Ali Khan said that confiscation of properties is an ugly facet of the Indian authorities' campaign to crush dissent in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). As part of this campaign, assets of 11 individuals were seized in Kishtwar district, a few days ago. He said that the ongoing campaign to victimize the dissenters and intimidate the Kashmiri people must stop. India must also allow the people of IIOJK to freely exercise their right to self determination, as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
FO spokesperson said that Pakistan and Serbia will hold the 5th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Islamabad on January 31. Additional Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan led the Pakistani delegation. The Serbian side shall be headed by the Secretary of State, Mr. Damjan Jovic. The two sides discussed a range of topics including political, trade, and people to people contacts.
He said that third round of Pakistan-Uzbekistan Bilateral Political Consultations will be held on 4-5 February 2025, in Tashkent. Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia), Ambassador Syed Ali Asad Gilani would be leading the Pakistan delegation.
He said that the second round of Pakistan-Qatar BPC is scheduled to be held in Doha, Qatar on the 5th February 2025. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will lead Pakistan delegation. Besides the dialogue, the DPM/FM will also interact with the Qatari leadership.