Latest news with #Shafqat
Business Recorder
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
No policy shift on Kashmir dispute: FO
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emphatically stated that there is no change in its policy or stance on Jammu and Kashmir dispute and different allusions about the statement of the Deputy Prime Minister's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir are baseless and uncalled for. 'Pakistan's stance on the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIoJK) remains consistent and in line with the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. There is no change in our policy,' Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan told a weekly media briefing on Friday. Responding to a query, he said Pakistan and China share an all-weather and friendship, which remains robust and unaffected by the actions of the US president. Pakistan ready for composite dialogue with India, says DPM Dar To another query, Ambassador Shafqat stressed that Pakistan does not seek to embarrass any country and maintains a policy of constructive diplomatic engagement. Regarding mediation between Pakistan and India, the spokesperson added, 'We welcome any positive role that mutual friends can play in reducing tensions in South Asia.' Pakistan and India maintain embassies in each other's countries, operating with reduced diplomatic strength, he said, adding the Pak-India DGMOs remain in contact, though no substantial progress has been made beyond existing engagements. To another question, Ambassador Khan revealed the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is a terrorist organisation, and evidence indicates Indian state-sponsorship of its activities. However, he clarified that there is no confirmation regarding Israeli involvement in Balochistan's insurgency. Pakistan is committed to promoting diplomatic solutions to regional issues, including those involving Iran. In this regard, the deputy prime minister recently held a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, during which bilateral matters were discussed, he remarked. The FO spokesperson reiterated that the policy regarding the repatriation of illegal foreigners, especially Afghan nationals remains unchanged and is being implemented consistently in letter and spirit. The issue of terrorist sanctuaries' remains a key topic of discussion between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he pointed out. The spokesperson said that details of the recent trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States will soon be released by the Ministry of Commerce and Trade. The government is actively pursuing all legal and diplomatic avenues to secure the release of Dr Aafia Siddiqui. Our policy on this matter remains unchanged. Furthermore, the spokesperson said Pakistan categorically rejects the baseless assertions and provocative claims made by the Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha debate on the so-called 'Operation Sindoor.' These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption. The world knows that India attacked Pakistan without any verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam attack. During the intervening night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India's targeting of the alleged terrorist infrastructure resulted actually in the martyrdom of innocent men, women, and children. India failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives. On the other hand, Pakistan's resounding success in neutralising the Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact. The Indian narrative of an alleged 'nuclear blackmail' by Pakistan is a misleading and self-serving construct, and an attempt to veil its own escalatory impulses while shifting blame onto Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pahalgam attackers: Indian statement replete with fabrications: FO
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan categorically assailed and rejected the baseless assertions and provocative claims made by Indian leaders during the Lok Sabha (Lower House) debate on the so-called 'Operation Sindoor'. These statements reflect a dangerous tendency to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic consumption. The account given by the Indian home minister is replete with fabrications, leading to serious questions about its credibility. Is it a mere coincidence that the alleged three perpetrators of the Pahalgam incident were killed at the start of the Lok Sabha debate? Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated this on Wednesday, while responding to media queries regarding the debate in the Indian parliament on the so-called 'Operation Sindoor'. 'The world knows that India attacked Pakistan without any verifiable evidence or a credible investigation into the Pahalgam incident,' he said. 'During the intervening night of 6 and 7 May 2025, India's targeting of the alleged terrorist infrastructure resulted actually in the martyrdom of innocent men, women and children. India failed to achieve any of its strategic objectives. On the other hand, Pakistan's resounding success in neutralising the Indian fighter jets and military targets is an indisputable fact,' the spokesperson remarked. Instead of misleading their compatriots, Ambassador Shafqat asserted that the Indian leaders would be well-advised to acknowledge the losses incurred by their armed forces and accept the active role played by the third parties in realising the ceasefire. 'India did not avail itself of the immediate offer made by the prime minister of Pakistan for a transparent and independent probe into the Pahalgam Attack. Instead, it chose the path of belligerence and aggression,' the FO spokesperson emphasised. It acted as the judge, jury, and executioner at the same time. Against this backdrop, any claims regarding the so-called 'Operation Mahadev' do not hold any significance for us. The spokesperson said, 'We also reiterate our unequivocal rejection of the ceaseless Indian statements on establishing a 'new normal' in bilateral relations. As we have already shown through our resolute actions in May 2025, we shall forcefully counter any future aggression.' For us, Shafqat Ali Khan added, the only 'normal' in bilateral relations is respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. The Indian narrative of an alleged 'nuclear blackmail' by Pakistan is a misleading and self-serving construct, and an attempt to veil its own escalatory impulses while shifting blame onto Pakistan. It is well known that Pakistan deterred India through its conventional capabilities, affirming that discipline and restraint remain its guiding principles. The spokesperson responded, 'We also wish to register our disapproval of the Indian leaders' misplaced assertions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. India's decision to hold the treaty in abeyance shows its blatant disregard for the sanctity of international treaties, and strikes at a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation. Instead of taking pride in a unilateral and illegal move, India must immediately fulfil its treaty obligations.' India's continued reliance on disinformation, jingoism, and chest-thumping risks destabilising South Asia. However, as a responsible country, Pakistan remains committed to peace, regional stability, and a meaningful dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, he further said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sweden resumes visa services for Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD: Sweden announced to resume visa services for Pakistanis through its Embassy in Islamabad two years after it was closed amid security concerns following massive protests over desecration of Holy Quran, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan confirmed on Monday. 'Following the Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan and Sweden, held in Stockholm on 2nd July 2025, the Government of Sweden has announced the resumption of visa services in Islamabad. This will facilitate Pakistanis seeking to visit Sweden for short stays,' the spokesperson added. Effective 7th July 2025, the FO statement reads that Pakistani nationals can apply for a Schengen visa from within Pakistan for visits to Sweden of up to 90 days. 'Pakistan welcomes this positive development, which reflects the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries,' Ambassador Shafqat remarked. The Pakistani delegation to the Bilateral Consultations in Stockholm was led by the Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), while the Swedish side was headed by the Director General for Global Affairs from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Embassy of Sweden in Islamabad had shut down its operation in Pakistan indefinitely on 12th April 2023 citing the security situation as the main reason. Sweden had also pulled its staff from the Embassy for their safety and security. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan concerned over India's continued military build-up
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) is deeply concerned over India's continued military build-up, which appears to be configured against Pakistan and poses a grave threat to regional stability. 'Pakistan is fully prepared to deal with any threat or eventuality,' FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated this while responding to queries during weekly media briefing on Friday, regarding India's intention to procure latest military equipment, modern drones and missile technology worth billions of dollars to use it against Pakistan. He also rejected Indian allegations linking Pakistan to the Pahalgam attack without any credible and unfounded evidence. To another question, Ambassador Shafqat said Pakistan also strongly condemns the Indian External Affairs Minister's statement, saying, 'No country can allow violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.' India panel starts process to buy arms worth $12.3bn Remarks by the Indian EAM regarding nuclear blackmail reflect India's own fears and insecurities, the FO spokesperson said, adding Pakistan remains committed to abiding by all mutual agreements with India. He also reaffirmed Islamabad's stance that India's decision to unilaterally hold the Treaty in abeyance is illegal. The recent verdict of the Court of Arbitration (CoA) has further reinforced and vindicated Pakistan's position. 'There is no complete hiatus in Pakistan-US relations. The bilateral relationship has been strong and continues to strengthen over time,' he remarked. Ambassador Shafqat stressed that Pakistan reiterated its consistent and unwavering support to China, reiterating its adherence to the One-China Policy. Pakistan fully supports China on the Tibet issue and respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China. He said the idea of creating an alternative to SAARC is speculative and unfounded. 'It is India that has rendered SAARC dysfunctional. One country continues to block the holding of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad, while all other member states are supportive.' The Foreign Office; however, categorically denies any contact or meeting between Pakistani and Indian National Security Advisors (NSAs) on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in China. Regarding accepting Afghan Interim Government in Afghanistan, the FO spokesperson said, 'We have noted reports of Russian recognition of the Kabul administration. No decision has so far been made by Islamabad to recognise interim set up in Afghanistan. Pakistan maintains cordial and warm relations with Russia. However, this is a matter between two sovereign states.' Pakistan also strongly condemns the rising trend of Islamophobia in India. The FO spokesperson added the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan, is expected to visit Islamabad soon. However, dates are currently being finalised. To another question, he said India remains involved in patronising terrorism within Pakistan. Pakistan prefers dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation and remains committed to peaceful regional engagement, he highlighted. In an opening statement, the FO spokesperson said the Government of Pakistan has called for immediate release and repatriation of all those Pakistani prisoners and fishermen, who have completed their respective sentence and whose national status stands confirmed. A request for special consular access has also been made for all believed-to-be-Pakistani prisoners, including the physically- and mentally-challenged prisoners for expeditious confirmation of their national status, he pointed out. The Government of India has been urged to provide consular access to all those prisoners to whom consular access is still awaited. The Indian side has also been urged to ensure safety, security, and well-being of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian custody. 'The Government of Pakistan remains committed to addressing humanitarian matters as a priority. It will continue its endeavors to ensure early return of all Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails,' Ambassador Shafqat emphasised. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pakistan urges Iran Israel to uphold ceasefire
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire understanding between Iran and Israel, and called on the relevant parties to uphold the ceasefire. 'We also welcome and support the efforts aimed at reviving dialogue and diplomacy in the region,' Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said in a statement. Pakistan believes that peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through strict adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and by refraining from the use of force, he added. Ambassador Shafqat reiterated that Pakistan will continue to support all efforts in this regard. US President Donald J Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu separately announced the development following Iran's missile-strikes on America's military bases in Qatar and Iraq in response to Washington's attack on three nuclear sites in Isfahan, Natanz and Fordow last Sunday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
