ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has said that Pakistan and China have the resolve and capability to foil any attempts to harm bilateral relations.
The spokesperson made these remarks during her weekly press briefing on Thursday.
Baloch asserted that any attempts to undermine the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries will not succeed.
The spokesperson noted that Pakistan and China have a robust dialogue and cooperation on a range of issues, including counterterrorism and the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
“We will continue to work with our Chinese brothers for the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” the spokesperson said.
Baloch said Pakistan is committed to fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to root out terror groups that continue to threaten Pakistan’s security. She noted Pakistan is determined to defeat the forces of terror, and also have the determination to protect Pakistanis from all threats, internal or external.
The spokesperson added Pakistan has opted for dialogue with not only Afghanistan but also the neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, who have called on the Afghan authorities to take action against the terror groups that have found hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan.
“We continue to urge Afghanistan to take effective action against terror groups and ensure that Afghan territory is not used against Pakistan or any other neighbouring country of Afghanistan,” she said.
The spokesperson added this is an established fact that terror groups receive support from India. She recalled that Pakistan arrested an Indian Naval Officer a few years ago who was the mastermind of support for espionage and terror activities in Balochistan province.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan and US have a long history of good friendly ties. She said it is in the mutual interest of the two countries to build on this relationship on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and on the basis of non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.
She said agreements and memoranda of understanding are important for economic and investment collaboration between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are a reflection of enhanced cooperation between our two countries in the economic domain.
Baloch said both Pakistan and Iran have vowed to ensure that the joint border is a border of peace and amity. “We will also ensure that the terror groups and entities do not operate along the border between Pakistan and Iran. We are also committed to fighting smugglers along the border between Pakistan and Iran,” she said.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan has always said that sports should not be politicized. “The issues relating to the holding of the Champions Trophy cricket are being dealt with by the Pakistan Cricket Board and they have the lead on this,” she noted.
The spokesperson in her opening remarks welcomed the resolution adopted by the second Joint Arab-Islamic Summit on the Situation in the Middle East urging the UNSC to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
“We urge the international community to heed this call and to uphold international law, safeguard human rights and protect the people of Palestine,” she said.
She said the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov is visiting Pakistan on Thursday. She added that during his stay in Pakistan, the Russian leader will call on Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and hold detailed consultations with Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.
“Pakistan reiterates its serious concerns about the plight of Kashmiri political prisoners. A sizeable number of these prisoners remain incarcerated outside Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK),” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said.
She noted that many detainees are enduring inhuman conditions in jails, including confinement in overcrowded cells.
“Pakistan will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions,” said the diplomat.
She announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, will participate in the 15th Sir Bani Yas Forum being held from 15-17 November 2024 in the United Arab Emirates.
She said the Deputy Prime Minister at the forum, will engage in high-level dialogue with global leaders and experts, addressing critical issues of regional security, economic cooperation and sustainable development.
