2 weeks Ago By SHAFQAT ALI
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday strongly rejected recent statements by Indian leadership regarding Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating that the region remains an internationally recognized dispute awaiting resolution under UN Security Council resolutions. Speaking at a weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan categorically said that India’s claims over IIOJK are baseless and legally untenable. He emphasized that the issue cannot be unilaterally altered by India and that Pakistan would continue to highlight the plight of Kashmiris at all relevant international forums.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized dispute. India’s claims over the territory hold no credibility and cannot change the legal and political status of the region,” the spokesperson said. Responding to the recent remarks by Indian External Affairs Minister questioning Pakistan’s relevance in regional affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan said: “It is ironic that Indian leaders continue to mention Pakistan repeatedly while claiming they do not want to waste time on us.
Islamabad, Kabul discuss transit trade, Afghans repatriation This reflects a deep and unhealthy obsession.”He criticized India’s recurring attempts to malign Pakistan in the context of terrorism and regional peace:“India’s false narrative of victimhood cannot hide its own dismal human rights record in IIOJK or its involvement in terrorism and targeted assassinations abroad.”Regarding a controversial statement made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi referring to Muslim youth as “puncture makers”, the FO spokesperson termed the comment “deeply regrettable”, adding: “All those involved in manual labour deserve dignity and respect.
Such a derogatory reference to an entire community reflects the alarming rise of bigotry and religious discrimination in India today.” Touching upon Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, Khan highlighted the recent high-level visits and bilateral engagements, terming them a reflection of Pakistan’s intent to foster positive, friendly and neighbourly relations. “Our relationship with Afghanistan is grounded in historical, cultural and geographic commonalities.
We seek peaceful, cooperative engagement where the entire range of issues — especially security — are addressed in mutual interest.” While refraining from operational details, Khan confirmed that the issue of cross-border sanctuaries and terrorism remains a core concern for Pakistan and would be discussed in the ongoing and upcoming dialogues. Dar chairs high level meeting before departure to Kabul today “We have raised the matter of sanctuaries multiple times and will continue to do so.
We seek an amicable and lasting resolution to these concerns.”He acknowledged the Afghan Commerce Minister’s visit as “an important and positive development”, adding that discussions were expected to cover the entire agenda of economic and border cooperation. Responding to questions regarding Bangladesh’s recent assertions on bilateral irritants, Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized the constructive tone of the recent Foreign Secretary-level consultations, the first in 15 years.
“These consultations were held in a cordial and mutually respectful atmosphere. Misleading reports aiming to derail progress should be dismissed outright. Both the countries expressed their respective positions in a spirit of understanding.
”He also underlined that Pakistan remains committed to improving ties with Bangladesh and views recent exchanges, including upcoming visits, as positive momentum for bilateral relations. To a query about the recently held Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum and speculation over Pakistan being caught between U.S.
-China rivalry, the FO spokesperson asserted that Pakistan has strategic partnerships with both nations and does not subscribe to binary alignments.“China is our iron brother and strategic partner with decades of trust and cooperation. At the same time, our relations with the U.
S. are historically significant and bolstered by our strong diaspora.”He clarified that the Minerals Forum was open to all global investors, and over 2000 participants from countries including the U.
S., China, UK, Saudi Arabia, Finland, and Denmark attended the event. Govt warns action for facilitating undocumented foreigners Tags: indian claims baseless.
