Friday May 12, 2023
FO says Pakistan has taken note of the statement on the current situation.
Muttaqi's proposal to negotiate with TTP rejected: FO spokesman.
FM on record against talks with terrorist groups, repeats FO.
ISLAMABAD: Following violent protests and reports of concern over the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the Foreign Ministry on Friday said Pakistan is "fully capable of dealing with all domestic issues in accordance with our laws." and the Constitution."
"We have noted the statements that have been made regarding the current situation in Pakistan and we remind them all that Pakistan is fully capable of dealing with all domestic issues in accordance with our laws and constitution," FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said during a press conference. .
She further said that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari – in a meeting with his interim Afghan counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaq – made it clear that talks with terrorist organizations, including the Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), would not take place, “as has been the case. not to respect the laws and constitution of Pakistan”.
In face-to-face talks with Muttaq, the Foreign Office and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir rejected his proposal to talk about differences with the banned terrorist organization.
The FO spokesperson added: "Pakistan has been very consistent. The foreign minister is on record as saying that there will be no talks with terrorist organizations that do not respect our laws and constitution. This was also made very clear in the tripartite statement." which came out during the visit of the foreign minister of China and the interim Afghan foreign minister.
“In the tripartite statement, the three parties emphasized the need to address security challenges that pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability. They agreed not to allow their territory to be used by any single group or party, including TTP and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), to carry out terrorist activities and actions. It was a joint statement that was the result of a consensus between the three delegations.
In this regard, Baloch reiterated that Pakistan, China and Afghanistan have emphasized the need to address security challenges that pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
She added that the three were determined not to allow their territories to be used by any individual, group or party – including the TTP and ETIM – to carry out terrorist activities and actions.
The FO disagreed with reports published in local and foreign media regarding visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang's comments that Pakistan must put its house in order if progress is to be made, especially on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The gang did not allow his remarks to be broadcast live at the State Department.
“I actually have a transcript of his statement and not what the media reported.
"I would like to say that Pakistan and China are close friends. The Chinese foreign minister shared his wishes for stability and consensus in Pakistan so that he can focus on growing the economy, improving people's lives and bringing the country to rapid growth." the path to development," the spokeswoman specified.
Regarding Pakistan's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, the spokesperson noted, “We believe that Pakistan has taken the right decision to attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' Council meeting. It shows our commitment to the SCO. You may have seen the Secretary of State's statement.
"He highlighted Pakistan's view on all aspects of our interest in security, economic development and connectivity in the region. He also emphasized that terrorism should not be used as a tool of foreign policy. You may have also seen the foreign minister's interactions with the Indian and Pakistani media.
As far as Kashmir is concerned, the said FO position of Pakistan was in line with its long-standing position on various issues, including the arms of terrorism and the situation in India's illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
"It shouldn't have surprised anyone. Any statements criticizing our foreign minister's statement in this regard are just unfortunate and baseless,” she added.
The FO said that Pakistan was surprised by the tone and content of the remarks made by the Indian side.
“It reflects their frustration when confronted with the truth. We expect all SCO member states to show the positive attitude shown by Pakistan,” the spokesperson said.
