- Welcomes Trump’s offer to mediate between Pakistan and India
ISLAMABAD, November 10: Pakistan on Thursday said it looks forward to work closely with the new Administration in the United States towards mutual benefits of both the countries.
The Foreign Office Spokesman, Nafees Zakria said this while responding to the queries of media persons at weekly news briefing in Islamabad about the victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump in the US Presidential elections.
The Spokesman said, “It will remain the endeavour of Pakistan to promote and strengthen the existing relationship in the areas of common interest.” He said, “Pakistan has multidimensional and strategic relationships with the US including economic, defence, Science and Technology, education, strategic issues, counter-terrorism and wants to strengthen them further.”
“Pakistan leadership has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory as US President,” he said. Nafees Zakaria said that, “The US president elect had offered mediation between Pakistan and India on Kashmir dispute during his campaign and we had welcomed that offer.”
The spokesperson said, “The Kashmiri people are rendering sacrifices for their right to self determination.” He said, “Pakistan is concerned over continued atrocities by Indian forces in Occupied Kashmir and it will continue to raise Indian brutalities and human rights violations at international fora.”
“Pakistan also continues to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to the just cause To a question, the Spokesman said, “Six out of eight Indian diplomats found involved in subversive activities in Pakistan have left Pakistan.” To a question regarding killing of Muslims in fake encounters in India, the Spokesman said, “International community has serious concern over situation of Muslims and other minorities in India.”
He said, “International human rights organizations have documented scores of fake encounters in India.” Answering a question, he said, “Eight leaders and commanders of Haqqani network have been killed since 6th of July this year in Afghanistan.”
He said, “This is reflective of where the leaders of Haqqani network are at the moment.” “Pakistan wishes peace and stability in Afghanistan and in this context it is committed to help all the initiatives aimed at bringing peace there,” he said.
“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is in the interest of Pakistan and the entire region,” he added. Replying to a question, the Spokesman said, “Saudi Arabia has shown interest in acquiring 17 JF Thunder and Super Mashak aircraft and both the countries are negotiating in this regard.”
He said, “Pakistan enjoys deep rooted relations with Saudi Arabia.” To a question regarding violation of Indus Waters Treaty by India, he said, “Pakistan has approached the World Bank for establishing a Court of Arbitration.”
He said, “Pakistan is looking forward for establishment of the Court at the earliest in line with the Indus Waters Treaty.” Answering a question, he said, “India has not fulfilled its promise for investigations into Samjhota express incident.”
He said, “Perpetrated of the incident had made public confession in which eight serving army officers were involved.” “India did not share anything with us,” he said. Pakistan time and again raised this issue bilaterally and on various forums,” he said.
The FO spokesman also informed the media that six out of the eight Indian High Commission officials involved in subversive activities had left Pakistan.-DNA
