ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expects sincere cooperation from the Afghan interim government to address the challenge of terrorism and hopes that Afghanistan will live up its commitments made with the international community and Pakistan in this regard.
“Terrorism is a common threat to both Pakistan and Afghanistan and we must take a strong stand against such entities that use violence against innocent citizens and law enforcement agencies”, said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Spokesperson of the Foreign Office while replying to a question during her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.
The Spokesperson expressed Pakistan’s resolve to root out the evil of terrorism and safeguard the security of every citizen.
“We do not believe in accusations or finger pointing. However, we would reiterate our expectations that no country should allow its territory to be used for perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan” the spokesperson said and added that it is time that the commitments made to the world are fulfilled with sincerity and in good faith actions.
Responding to another question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan has a foreign policy that prioritizes developing good relations with all countries.
She said we have constructive dialogue with all countries, including Russian Federation, the United States, the European Union, and our neighbors. She said bilateral relations with Russia, including economic cooperation, will further deepen in future.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch informed that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar will undertake a two-day visit to Sri Lanka from tomorrow.
The Spokesperson said that the Minister of State will participate in the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka as a Guest of Honour. In addition to attending the Independence Day events, she will call on the Sri Lankan leadership and hold a meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.
The Spokesperson further said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have historic ties that have grown steadily in all aspects of bilateral cooperation.
“We also have worked closely in multilateral forums including SAARC. The visit of the Minister of State would contribute to enhanced understanding between the two countries and signal Pakistan’s support for Sri Lanka in a difficult time”, she said.
Talking on Kashmir Solidarity Day, FO Spokesperson said Pakistani nation will express its unwavering solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for realization of their Right to Self-determination. “The Day will be observed with traditional zeal and fervor by all sections of society in Pakistan and by the Pakistani and Kashmiri Diaspora around the world.
We believe that durable peace, security and development in the region hinges on peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute” she said.
It is imperative that the Kashmiris exercise their right to self-determination through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations.
Pakistan will continue to extend all possible support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters towards a just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Read more: Afghan FM asks Pakistan ‘don’t blame us for internal problems’
