Abdul Hadi Mayar Islamabad
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Friday said there was no proposal on agenda between Pakistan and China with regards to engagement with the proscribed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
“Pakistan has said on a number of occasions that the proposals to initiate talks with TTP, wherever they may come from, are an affront to the families of thousands of victims of terrorism,” Baloch said this while answering a question at her weekly press briefing.
She categorically stated that there is no dialogue taking place between Government of Pakistan and TTP.
To a question about a meeting between the Pakistan Head of Mission in Kabul and the Afghan Defense Minister, the spokesperson said, “The meeting of our Head of Mission in Kabul with the Afghan Minister for Defense was also in this context, and all aspects of bilateral interest from both sides were discussed.”
However, she did not divulge any details of the matters discussed.
About comments made from abroad about this week’s incidents in Islamabad, Baloch said, “We believe that some of this commentary is based on inaccurate and incomplete picture about the situation in Pakistan.”
About participation of Afghan nationals, the spokesperson said that participation of foreign nationals in any political activity in Pakistan was unacceptable.
The spokesperson was asked a question about India’s refusal to participate in Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan.
“We hope that all cricket playing nations that qualify for the Champions Trophy will be represented at the Champions Trophy. That is our message to the ICC as well.”
About attempts in India to convert the shrine of Hazrat Moinuddin Chishti in India into a Hindu temple, she said, “This trend needs to be arrested.”
“The relevant authorities must ensure the safety, security and dignity of Muslims in India, their holy sites and the places of worship,” Baloch stated. On situation in the Middle East, Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes the recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and calls on all parties to fully uphold and implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. “We firmly support Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability; and stress the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to those affected; the safe return of displaced persons; and facilitating the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.” The spokesperson said a number of agreements were signed between Pakistan and Belarus on economy, in financial intelligence, cooperation between our customs authorities, cooperation in connectivity and road projects during the recent visit of President Lukashenka to Islamabad.
The spokesperson dispelled the impression that there is a ban on visas for Pakistani nationals in the United Arab Emirates ‘as Pakistani nationals continue to travel to the UAE.
Baloch said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit Mashhad, Iran next week to attend the 28th Meeting of Council of Ministers of Economic Cooperation Organization.
