Foreign office (FO) spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated during a weekly briefing that ongoing operation in the border area aims to protect Pakistani citizens from TTP and other terrorists. She clarified that strikes were intelligence based.
The spokesperson stressed that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty but also voiced concern over the presence of terrorist elements on Afghan soil.
She emphasized that Pakistan wants the Afghan soil not to be used for terrorism. Therefore, Pakistan has repeatedly raised cross-border infiltration issue with Afghanistan.
“Pakistan has been in constant touch with Afghan authorities in recent days,” she apprised, adding that the special representative for Afghanistan, Sadiq Khan, is currently in Afghanistan.
“Sadiq Khan held meeting with high officials including Afghan interior minister, foreign minister, Deputy prime minister and others to discuss security, border management and trade,” she maintained.
In response to a question about comments made by Donald Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell about Pakistan nuclear assets and the release of Imran Khan, the FO spokesperson has replied “we do not comment on statements made in an individual capacity.”
The spokesperson has said that Pakistan wants positive relations with America on the basis of mutual respect and interests, it is hoped that America will also take care of it.
Regarding the US sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Pakistan’s missile program is for defense purposes.
The spokesperson further highlighted ongoing efforts to lift the ban on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights in Europe.
“Pakistan is continuing to cooperate with European partners and is in talks with other countries besides the European Union to lift the ban on PIA flights,” she added.
