Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran negotiations: Andrabi
ONLINE
ISLAMABAD
Foreign Office (FO) has said progress is underway on Pakistan foreign policy, regional security, high level contacts with Iran and Turkiye , steps against terrorism , Indus Water Treaty (IWT) and important matters.
Pakistan is determined for peace, security, stability and promotion of mutual cooperation.
Doors to talks are open to all neighboring countries including Afghanistan and India , however, no compromise will be made on national security. Indian water aggression is not tolerable, this was said by FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during weekly press briefing here Thursday.
He said Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif will undertake 3-day official visit of Iran and Turkiye from today. He will attend the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and will express solidarity on behalf of people and government of Pakistan.
Following his visit to Iran, the prime minister will travel to Istanbul at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The two leaders will discuss the full spectrum of bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation. They are also expected to exchange views on regional peace and security. During his stay in Türkiye, Prime Minister Shehbaz will address a business conference organised by Pakistan to showcase the country’s investment opportunities in key sectors, including special economic zones (SEZs), energy, trade, information technology and privatisation.
The conference will bring together prominent Turkish business leaders, investors, senior officials and members of the business community to explore new avenues for commercial cooperation.. He said Pakistan attaches special importance to its relations with Iran. PM visit is very important in perspective of bilateral relations and regional situation.
About US-Iran talks, he said Pakistan is maintaining contact with Iranian authorities continuously. Important movement forward has been achieved in Doha talks. The both sides have agreed on continuing talks . About ongoing operations against terrorism he said Pakistan has geared up intelligence based operations against terrorists. Operations are underway in KP, Balochistan and Karachi.
During these operations 4 terrorists have been killed in Bajore operation.
The terrorists who were killed included elements from proscribed TTP and Jamat ul Ahrar.
Adopting unequivocal stance , FO spokesperson said Pakistan will not compromise on protection of its soil and citizens.
Pakistan Rejects India’s Position on Indus Waters Treaty, he said
Addressing the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), Andrabi rejected India’s attempt to link terrorism allegations with its decision to place the treaty in abeyance.
He said Pakistan firmly opposes any effort to treat the Indus river system as a strategic asset that can be controlled or withheld unilaterally, stressing that such an approach violates both international law and the spirit of the treaty.
The spokesperson maintained that water should never be used as a tool of coercion or political pressure, warning that any attempt to deny Pakistan its lawful share of water would undermine regional peace and India’s international obligations.
Referring to the International Seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty held in Islamabad earlier this week, Andrabi said participants, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and international experts, called for preserving the treaty and resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic channels rather than unilateral actions.
He indicated fresh lists of prisoners have been exchanged between Pakistan and India. Pakistan includes name of those persons in the lists about whom news come to fore in news papers or their family members contact government.
According to Pakistan estimates over 700 Pakistanis are in Indian jails while in the list provided by India, name of 400 Pakistanis are recorded therein.
Expressing concern over trial of Hurriyat leader of Occupied Kashmir, Yasin Malik he said his trial is fake and unjust. He hoped Yasin Malik will soon be released.
Regarding recent matter related to AJK he said government of Pakistan has already made its stance clear. It is a matter of constitutional nature and its solution can be found through legislative assembly of Azad Kashmir. It cannot be linked to ongoing movement for right to self determination in Occupied Kashmir.
He categorically rejected India’s statements on this matter.
