Observer Report
Islamabad
Pakistan and other friendly countries are concerned over rising tension in the Gulf following an attack on US Embassy in Baghdad after a US air attacks on Hashde al-Shaabi camps in Iraq but preferred not to issue any comment “at this moment”.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Ms. Aisha Farooqui while replying to a question at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday termed the development as a bilateral matter of the two countries.
“It is not appropriate to make any comment on the matter right now,” said the official.
The tension increased following fresh induction of 750 US troops, strengthening alert to USAF and Naval Fleet and Iran’s military excercise which began in southern part of Iran, close to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
In a one sentence report the official Iranian News Agency, IRNA reported on Thursday that “Mobile combat, quick reaction and airborne units of the Iranian Army’s ground forces are carrying out joint maneuver in a region in Shiraz, southern Iran”.
Iranian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday summoned the Swiss chargé d’affaires to protest against what it called “US administration’s acts.”
Iranian official also advised the US officials to set aside blame games and not to “accuse a country for no reason”.
Meanwhile, Pakistan on Thursday called for immediate lifting of a security and communications lockdown, restoration of internet services, and release of political prisoners in occupied Kashmir.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said the international community must heed and express concern over Indian brutalities in the occupied region and raise voice for the Kashmiris facing a complete communications blackout since India’s illegal actions of August 5.
She reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to continue highlighting the case of the Kashmiris at every international forum until they get their right to self-determination.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has been facing challenges along the Line of Control in the shape of India’s frequent unprovoked ceasefire violations and heavy deployment of weaponry.
She said Pakistan has shared its concerns about it with the United Nations and international partners.
Ms. Farooqui said the foreign minister recently wrote the seventh letter to the United Nations Security Council president apprising him of the situation prevailing alone of the Line of Control.
To a question regarding holding a special session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Kashmir in Islamabad, she said efforts are being made in this regard. She added Pakistan desires the next regular session of the OIC in Islamabad.
