ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday reaffirmed its position on Jammu and Kashmir, regional peace, and diplomatic engagement as the Foreign Office briefed the media in the capital.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan observed Jammu and Kashmir Right to Self-Determination Day in line with UN Security Council resolutions. He said thousands of political leaders and human rights activists remain in Indian custody in Indian-administered Kashmir.
He accused India of trying to alter the demographic structure of Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019. He said such actions violate international law.
Pakistan–China talks
Andrabi said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar recently visited China, where Pakistan and China held strategic talks. Both sides later issued a joint statement.
He said Pakistan supports China’s efforts toward national unity. He said Islamabad briefed Beijing on the Kashmir situation. He added that China views Kashmir as an unresolved historical dispute.
Diplomatic outreach
The spokesperson said Ishaq Dar spoke with the foreign minister of Myanmar on January 6. He also held talks with the foreign ministers of Indonesia and Egypt, and with Bangladesh’s foreign adviser.
He said Dar also discussed regional and global issues with the foreign ministers of Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
India remarks rejected
Andrabi said Pakistan strongly rejected what he called a baseless statement by the Indian foreign minister. He said India has a documented record of supporting terrorism at the regional and global levels.
He said Indian allegations cannot obscure New Delhi’s own actions, which he described as harmful to peace. He urged India to address its internal conduct instead of accusing others.
The spokesperson condemned the demolition of the Faiz Elahi Mosque and nearby properties in New Delhi. He described it as part of a broader pattern of anti-Muslim actions.
He linked the move to the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent construction of a temple. He said such acts reflect a campaign against religious minorities in India.
Saudi ties and Afghanistan
Andrabi said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia cooperate across several sectors, including defence. He said Pakistan agreed to continue the trilateral mechanism involving Afghanistan.
He welcomed statements from Afghanistan but said Pakistan awaits verifiable and practical assurances that Afghan territory will not be used against other countries.
He said Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China met under a trilateral framework last year. He said Islamabad wants to advance the mechanism to deliver tangible outcomes.
Iran and regional issues
The spokesperson said Pakistan opposed last year’s 12-day aggression against Iran. He said Iran’s internal matters remain its sovereign issue.
He said Pakistan consistently opposes external aggression, threats, and sanctions against Iran. He described sanctions linked to the nuclear deal as counterproductive.
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Andrabi concluded by saying Pakistan does not interfere in the internal affairs of neighbouring states. He said Islamabad remains committed to regional peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement based on mutual respect.
