With an apparent sense of alarm to the whole region and the world, Foreign Office on Thursday said that the Indian Defence Minister's statement on "sponsoring terrorism" is a matter of concern not only for Pakistan but also to the regional countries and beyond. In his weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and has suffered more than any other country in the world, adding the country has lost more than 60,000 lives of our citizens and suffered economic losses of more than $100 billion.
"The statement of the Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar should be a matter of concern not just to Pakistan but others in the region and beyond," he said, adding the Indian Minister's statement may also be seen in the backdrop of an earlier statement of even more grave nature made by Ajit Doval in February 2014, days before he was appointed National Security Advisor.
According to him, the statements coming from India confirms Pakistan's apprehensions about India's involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. He further said that Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. When asked whether Pakistan is going to raise the matter with UN Security Council, he said that Pakistan will take all appropriate measures needed to protect our national interest.
He said that Pakistan is also aware of the reports that claimed that Indian government has allocated $50 billion to sabotage China Pakistan Economic Corridor. "We've talked about it (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) earlier, including propaganda by Indian media. However, I wish to reiterate our commitment to the realisation of Pak-China Economic Corridor projects, which will benefit the entire region," he said. However, replying to a question, he said Pakistan is committed to have good neighbourly relations with all neighbouring countries including India. He said this is the vision of Prime Minister and we are pursuing it with all sincerity.
About the Nato commander's statement regarding alleged recruitment by ISIL in Pakistan and Afghanistan, he categorically stated that there is no footprint of ISIL in Pakistan, adding the people of Pakistan have no ideological, ethnic or linguistic affinities with the organisation and its members. "We have seen some pamphlets and wall-chalking. That is no proof of presence of ISIL in Pakistan. Nevertheless, we are cognisant of the threat ISIL poses. Our security agencies are aware of this threat and will take appropriate measures, if needed," he added. To another question, he said that no new agreement has been signed between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding Afghan refugees, adding Islamabad, Kabul and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) are working closely to devise a timeline for return of Afghan refugees. He further said that Pakistan desires peace and stability in Afghanistan, adding Pakistan supports Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. He said that Prime Minister during his recent visit to Afghanistan has made it categorically clear that enemies of Afghanistan are enemies of Pakistan. He said Pakistan is committed to enhance ties with Afghanistan in different fields.
In response to a report presented in the US Congress alleging Pakistan for sponsoring terrorists, the spokesperson said he was not aware of any such report. However, he emphasised that Pakistan enjoys good relations with the US and the two countries have longstanding co-operation in a number of fields of mutual interest. He said that Pakistan's commitment to combating and eliminating terrorism is well-known, adding we have been co-operating with international community in this regard and have suffered huge human and material losses. He said that the US government is fully aware of that and is appreciative of our co-operation and the measures we have taken to combat terrorism and extremism.
About summoning of Pakistan's top diplomat in Egypt for Pakistan's stance on the death sentence to former Egyptian president Morsi, the spokesperson said that the Foreign Office statement on the death sentence given to the former Egyptian President was based on internationally recognised principles. However, he underscored that relations between the people of Pakistan and the people of Egypt are deep rooted in history, culture and shared values. "We are confident that the fraternal bonds that exist between the peoples of Pakistan and Egypt would be further strengthened in the days to come," he added.
When asked whether Pakistan is demanding extradition of Baloch separatists from UK, he said that it is common practices among states to seek each other's support in connection with people wanted for various reasons. To various queries about the investigation into Axact, he said that comprehensive investigation is going on into Axact and FIA team's visit to US embassy on Wednesday was in that context, adding a number of US entities and educational institutions have allegedly been named in the Axact scandal. "Therefore, on the request of the concerned investigating authorities, we have approached the US side for assistance in the ongoing investigation against Axact in Pakistan," he added.
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