ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Balochi decline to comment on the statement of upcoming US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Richard Grenell.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan wanted strong relations with the United States and adheres to a non-interference policy in the internal affairs of other countries.
Regarding Richard Grenell’s tweets and statements, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan sought the positive relations with the United States based on mutual respect and interests, hoping that the US would also take this into account.
The spokesperson further emphasized that they could not comment on statements made by any individual, but diplomatic talks with US officials would continue.
She also said that Pakistan remained in contact with Afghan authorities and wished to enhance cooperation with Afghanistan in security, trade and other sectors.
Baloch said that 2024 has been an active year for Pakistan’s diplomacy. Good understandings were established with Belarus, China, Azerbaijan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, and other countries. The Foreign Minister visited Belgium, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and other countries. Both the Prime Minister and the President also visited various countries in 2024.
The spokesperson mentioned that delegations from Malaysia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and other countries visited Pakistan this year. Despite various regional and global changes, Pakistan managed to maintain good relations with several countries based on mutual interests.
“Pakistan also continues to engage with the United States,” she added.
The Foreign office spokesperson said that Pakistan is continuing cooperation with its European partners, and the European Union has lifted the ban on PIA (Pakistan International Airlines).
Pakistan is also in talks with other countries besides the EU to lift the ban on PIA flights.
Regarding Iran, the spokesperson noted that 2024 began with military attacks between the two countries, but engagements took place in April. Border issues with Afghanistan also persisted, and Pakistan continued to stay in contact with Afghan authorities, seeking to increase cooperation in security, trade and other areas.
It may be mentioned herethat that Richard Grenell, the special envoy for newly elected President Donald Trump, had recently commented on the release of Imran Khan and mentioned that the new US Secretary of State is prepared to discuss Pakistan’s missile program and would engage with Pakistan on this issue as soon as they take office.