- Denies existence of IS militants in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, January 24: Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal confirmed on Thursday that US Senator Lindsey Graham – during his recent visit to Islamabad – conveyed that President Donald Trump has expressed his desire to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the weekly Foreign Office (FO) briefing, the spokesperson said dates for the possible meeting have not been decided yet and though Washington and Islamabad have started discussing a possible meet between the leaders, preparations for such a visit are pending.
Referring to Israel, Faisal categorically stated that Islamabad will not change its foreign policy towards Tel Aviv.
The FO spokesperson also reiterated that there is no Daesh presence in Punjab but was quick to add that the Punjab chief minister and the provincial government is better informed on the matter.
Speaking about relations with India and the Kartarpur border, the spokesperson said Pakistan sent a draft plan to India and has asked New Dehli to send a delegation to finalise plans.
“It was disappointing that India in turn sent back two dates and said that Pakistan can send a delegation instead. Pakistan will send a stern reply soon,” Faisal said.
Referring to the issue of occupied Kashmir, a permanent talking point in such briefings, the FO said that India continues to violate the cease-fire agreement and occupying forces are still using pellet guns despite United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres talking about the issue.
Faisal went on to add that India has also ignored the Human Rights Council’s report that highlights these atrocities. He reassured the people that the matter has been taken up with the UNGA president.
Faisal categorically rejected existence of Islamic State (IS) militants in Pakistan.
Regarding certain speculations on the media after the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officials’ earlier claim that they had conducted the operation against “Daesh” or IS militants near Sahiwal, the FO said that the provincial government of Punjab could better inform on the matter.-Agencies/DNA
