Foreign Office on Thursday dismissed allegations levelled by Afghan officials as "baseless" that elements from Pakistan were involved in the recent fighting between Taliban and Afghan forces in Ghazni city. Responding to the media queries during his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said that there is no evidence to back up the "spurious accusations" of involvement of elements from Pakistani in the Ghazni fighting.
"We reject these baseless allegations...Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process and it will welcome any ceasefire agreement between the parties there," he asserted.
To another query, he said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaged in developing a time bound repatriation plan for early and complete return of Afghan refugees to their homeland. For the purpose, an Afghan delegation will soon be visiting Islamabad for consultations, he said.
He said that Pakistan is currently engaged on border management along Pakistan-Afghanistan border, saying that the border is being fenced with a view to regulate the illegal movement between the two countries. He said that the process of fencing would complete in two years which is also aimed at preventing the smuggling and drug trafficking.
He said that the two sides are engaged with each other under the platform of Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS). Responding to Indian media criticism on Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan, the spokesperson said: "Indian media needs to grow up."
Commenting on the statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the people of Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir to have thanked him, he said: "I have not seen the reported comments of the Indian Prime Minister; however, we have repeatedly clarified our position in this regard."
He said that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains pending on the UN Security Council's agenda, adding that the solution as per the UN Security Council resolutions is the plebiscite that is to be held under the auspices of the United Nations, to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
He recalled that the issue had been taken to the UN Security Council by the founding fathers of India and India has to honor the commitments made by them.
About Kulbhushan Jadhav, he said that he was caught red-handed in Balochistan and it is an ample evidence of Indian state's involvement in terrorism in Balochistan, Sindh and the rest of Pakistan.
"We will fight the case in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). We urge upon India to permit the Commission of Inquiry, as recommended by the recent Report of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
"India must allow the Commission of Inquiry to visit the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir for ascertaining the facts on ground, especially, if India has nothing to hide," he asserted.
He also strongly condemned Indian forces' brutalities in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Indian government to allow the UN Commission of Inquiry to visit the Occupied Valley and find facts on the ground. He said that Kashmiris on both sides of the border observed the Indian Independence Day on August 15 as Black Day. He said Indian is carrying out ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) to divert world's attention from its atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.
He said that the Indian forces have committed more than 1,400 ceasefire violations this year, compared to 1,970 in 2017, resulting in the killing of 30 innocent civilians and injuring more than 121.
To another question, he said Pakistan is ready to host the SAARC summit at the earliest so that the matters can move forward. "We believe the SAARC Summit is long delayed. Such delays do not reflect well on member states," he said.
On the prospects of TAPI gas pipeline and the US sanctions on Iran, he said that connectivity, energy and economic projects are important factors in any evolving political and economic situation in a region. In this context all regional connectivity projects related to Pakistan are important, he said, adding that Pakistan is cognizant of its role as an important bridge to promote regional connectivity, economic cooperation and development. "For long-term stability in the region, Pakistan's national interests remain the main decisive factor," he added.
Regarding suspension of the US funding for Pakistan military's training program, he said that the funding for the training program has been suspended and the two sides are engaged to resolve the issue.
He said that the US has provided training to Pakistan military officials under a specific program - International Military Education and Training (IMET)-for the last many years.
However, as of January this year, all security assistance to Pakistan was suspended, he said, adding that IMET program for Pakistani officers was also affected by this decision.
The spokesperson also reiterated Pakistan's support for the people of Turkey in their quest for peace and prosperity. He said Pakistan is opposed to imposition of any unilateral sanctions on any country.
When asked to share some details of the visit by a team of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), he expressed his inability to share any details of the visit, saying: "Ministry Of Finance is concerned ministry to be approached."
About a Pakistani student who was recently attacked in Australia, he said that Pakistan Mission in Australia is in contact with the Australian Foreign Office as well as with the Pakistani student to ascertain the motive behind the attack.
He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad is also in contact with the Australian High Commission in Islamabad for ensuring the well-being of the student. "A strong protest is being registered with the Australian government. We have also asked them to ensure safety and security of Pakistani nationals," he added.
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