Islamabad (News Reporter): Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that there has been no change in Pakistan’s policy on Israel and that the Foreign Office has no knowledge of any Pakistani citizens traveling to Israel. He also welcomed the border demarcation and agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
These remarks were made by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan during a weekly press briefing. He mentioned that reports of some individuals traveling to Israel were seen on social media, but the Foreign Office was unaware of such developments. He stated that information is being gathered regarding news of Pakistanis traveling to Israel, and any comment will only be made once the situation becomes clear. The spokesperson also condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, stating that these attacks go against ceasefire efforts. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the two-state solution.
He further stated that Pakistan’s missile and defense capabilities are aimed at national security and stability. Pakistan’s nuclear program is completely secure and invulnerable. The country’s missile technology is part of its defense strategy, ensuring deterrence.
In response to a question, the Foreign Office spokesperson remarked that issuing travel advisories is a country’s own matter; however, reports of the U.S. imposing restrictions on Pakistanis are false. The U.S. State Department has denied such reports. He emphasized that Pakistan and the United States share strong, multifaceted ties that span decades.
Regarding the summoning of the Afghan chargé d’affaires, Shafqat Ali Khan explained that it was a routine diplomatic procedure. The meeting concerning visa matters was also a regular meeting. Summoning a diplomat is a standard process and should not be seen as unusual. The spokesperson added that Pakistan continuously communicates its concerns to Afghanistan through all available channels and urges the international community to eliminate terrorist safe havens on Afghan soil. He reaffirmed that the deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees remains unchanged.
Shafqat Ali Khan also informed that the Torkham border was reopened yesterday, and pedestrian movement will be allowed from Friday. The border will remain open until April 15, and a permanent solution to the issue will be found. He stated that halting the construction of a border post was Pakistan’s primary demand, which has been accepted.
The spokesperson clarified that Foreign Office officials are not involved in human trafficking and that such speculations hold no truth. A fact-finding committee is being formed to investigate social media reports.
Regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister is currently on an official visit and has met with the Saudi Crown Prince. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support.
On the Jafar Express attack, the spokesperson noted that India has yet to condemn the incident and reiterated that India’s involvement in terrorism in Pakistan is evident.
He further stated that if Indian leadership describes the mass killing of Kashmiris as peaceful, then there is no truth in it. The reality is that they are involved in the massacre of millions of Kashmiris.
Commenting on the situation in Yemen, the spokesperson expressed concern over the increasing tensions due to the bombings in Sanaa and retaliatory actions by the Houthis. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the peace process in Yemen.
He also clarified that the membership process for the BRICS Development Bank is different from that of BRICS itself. Regarding reports of Pakistani citizens being arrested in Spain, he confirmed that information was received from Pakistan’s consulate in Spain.
Additionally, Pakistan has advised all parties in Syria and Lebanon to exercise restraint.
The Foreign Office spokesperson welcomed the signing of the border demarcation and agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, congratulating the leadership and people of both countries on this historic achievement. He stated that the agreement has ended a long-standing border dispute and expressed confidence that this milestone will open new opportunities for cooperation and development in the region.
