Islamabad: Pakistan has made its position clear on Afghanistan, the Middle East and Kashmir.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said in a weekly briefing that Pakistan has seen reports of clashes between Afghan Taliban forces and the opposition in Badakhshan and other parts of Afghanistan.
He said that the Pak-US counter-terrorism talks are a regular process, in which all aspects of counter-terrorism are discussed. There is intelligence cooperation between Pakistan and the US and the current level of this cooperation is satisfactory.
The spokesperson said that terrorist groups from Afghanistan are present throughout the region and these terrorist networks are receiving financial support from India. India is also providing financial support to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
He said that defense exports are part of national exports and if a private vendor manufactures and exports defense products, it also generates revenue for the national exchequer in the form of taxes and other forms.
The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s role in the agreement between Iran and the US is important. Pakistan is playing a positive role in reducing tensions in the Gulf. Pakistan is more active in mediation efforts on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of any agreement through Pakistan is undeniable.
He said that after the agreement, other issues including the closure will be resolved on their own. Pakistan values Oman’s role in this development.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan is playing a diplomatic role in Middle East affairs and Oman is playing a positive role in this whole situation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Saudi Arabia from today to August 8.
The spokesperson added that the release of Pakistani hostages in Somalia has not been possible so far, which Pakistan is very sad about. This issue is among the priorities of the government and efforts are underway to release the hostages.
He said that there is a need to monitor Israel’s responsibilities regarding Gaza, while it would be premature to answer the question regarding sending peacekeepers to Gaza.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said that diplomatic relations with Bangladesh are continuing through normal diplomatic channels. The people of Bangladesh are capable of resolving their internal affairs without external interference.
Reacting to the Indian Foreign Ministry’s statement regarding Kashmir Exploitation Day, the spokesperson said that Pakistan rejects this statement. There is a heavy presence of Indian troops in occupied Kashmir under the shadow of strict laws, where efforts are underway to change the population ratio, however, these measures cannot eliminate the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination.