Wave of terror incidents: probe under way to ascertain involvement of foreign hand: FO

Foreign Office on Thursday said that investigations are under way to ascertain if any foreign hand is involved in the recent wave of terror incidents, and vowed to expose if any involvement of India is found behind the terrorist attacks.
Dr Mohammad Faisal, the spokesperson for the Foreign Office, told his weekly media briefing that currently investigations into the tragic incidents including the Quetta attacks are under way and the situations are closely being monitored.
"If we find any involvement from the Indian side, we will definitely raise the issue with India and take appropriate measures," he said, referring to the arrest of Commander Kulbushan Jadhav from that very area and his confessional statements about his involvement in terror attacks in the country.
"If the involvement of any foreign hand is found [behind the terror incidents], we will expose it vociferously, as we have done in the past, and take appropriate counter-measures as well," he asserted.
About the outcome of the technical-level talks between Pakistan and India on the Kartarpur Corridor which took place on April 16, he said that despite Indian postponement of the agreed meeting to be held at Wagah on April 02, Pakistan agreed to the technical talks reflecting the country's commitment to operationalise the corridor as promised by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said that talks were conducted in a cordial environment and focused on various technical issues including hydrology. "Both the sides agreed to share the technical designs/parameters for passage of flood water at the earliest," he said.
Regarding the meeting to discuss the draft agreement for the corridor, he said that the work proceeds rapidly on Pakistan's side on the Kartarpur Corridor. He said that the Evacuee Trust Board Pakistan is all set to launch a special coin and postal stamp to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.
In view of paucity of time, "we are keen to hold the meeting to finalise the draft agreement at the earliest," he said, adding that the meeting will specifically be held to discuss differences related to proposals of both the countries for operationalising the corridor and to align positions to build convergence. "We hope India will agree to hold a meeting, at the earliest," he added.
Commenting on Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's statement describing Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement as 'Congress's ploy to de-seat Narendra Modi,' Dr Faisal said that Pakistan does not believe in interfering in the internal matters of any country, especially India.
When asked to comment on spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs who stated that China will veto any resolution in UN Security Council to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as "global terrorist," Dr Faisal said that Pakistan has clear position on Azhar's issue. "Whatever decision Pakistan takes in this regard will be in its national interest. Pakistan will not be pressured by anyone," he asserted.
About the Taliban's announcement of the 'spring offensive' amid peace talks with the United States, he said that Pakistan believes that all sides must give peace a chance and continue the dialogue, which is the only way to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. "There is a danger that any increase in hostility has the capacity to derail the peace process," he cautioned.
"We hope that the intra-Afghan dialogue will lead towards peace in Afghanistan. Since the direct talks between the United States and Taliban began, chances of peace in Afghanistan have become brighter," he said, adding that Pakistan has been playing a facilitating role in the Afghan peace process, as a shared responsibility.
He said that Pakistan believes that regional countries and neighbours of Afghanistan have an important role in the peace process, adding that Pakistan will continue work for the peace process, in good faith.
He said Pakistan was helpful in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table. This has been acknowledged by the United States, he said, adding that Pakistan believes that Intra-Afghan dialogue is the key to achieving long-term peace in Afghanistan.
He said that the upcoming meeting between Afghans and Taliban in Doha on April 19-21 is a positive development, adding that Pakistan hopes that these talks will lead to durable peace and stability in Afghanistan.
"Pakistan is doing everything in its capacity to facilitate the peace process, and would keep urging both the sides to restrain from active hostility," he added.
He also clarified his earlier statement in which he stated that Pakistan will not participate in the upcoming Doha talks between the United States and Taliban, adding that Pakistan has always supported all initiatives that are aimed at bringing peace in Afghanistan.
Under this spirit, he said that Pakistan facilitated the talks between the United States and Taliban in Abu Dhabi and Doha, adding that Pakistan will continue to play its role in this regard as a shared responsibility.
He further clarified that there is no such thing as the 'Doha Process', adding that the last two rounds of talks between the United States and Taliban were held in Doha but the earlier round was held in Abu Dhabi.
"Pakistan has not attended the talks in Doha. We have been playing a facilitating role in Afghan peace process and will continue to do so," he added.
About the Pakistan's third performance report submitted to Financial Action Task Force (FATF), he said that several steps encompassing effective actions have been taken in this regard.
To another question, he said that Prime Minister Khan, during his visit to Iran from April 21-22, will hold talks with Iranian leadership on all issues of mutual interests, including the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project.
About the situation in Libya, he said that Pakistan is closely following the developments in the country and hopes that a negotiated solution to the ongoing fighting around Tripoli would be worked out by all parties in accordance with the international law and expectations of the Libyan people.