The FO spokesman on Thursday strongly condemned recent intrusion of Pakistani territory by Indian spy drones and confirmed that two Indian spy drones have been shot down by Pakistan army.
“Pakistan is ready to give befitting response to any Indian adventure,” he said while denying Indian claims that surgical strikes were carried out inside Pakistan.
In his press briefing, the spokesman said Pakistan is sincere in promotion of peace in the region, however, Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be construed as its weakness.
Responding to a question on Kashmir, the spokesperson said Kashmir is a disputed territory and its resolution lies in a plebiscite in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
The spokesman took a strong exception to the prevailing situation in Indian held Kashmir, and urged the international community to press India to stop its gross human rights violations in occupied valley.
The spokesman asked India to immediately allow the UN observer mission to visit the areas close to LoC to monitor ceasefire violations committed by Indian security forces.
The spokesman regretted a report carried by times of India about Kulbushan Yadav case under litigation in the International Court of Justice, and said the report is based on a leak and Pakistan would not comment on it as the matter is sub judice before the ICJ. Responding to number of questions about German Ambassador’s frequent travelling in various cities in Pakistan, the spokesman said as per diplomatic rules, all foreign ambassadors in Islamabad are free to move around Pakistan.
Responding to a question about elections in Bangladesh, the spokesperson said Pakistan desires to improve its relations with Bangladesh.
“We welcome the newly elected government and hope it will take bilateral relations away from the irritants of the past,” he remarked.
When his attention was drawn towards a report carried by New York Times claiming that Pakistani troops are fighting in Yemen, the spokesperson strongly dismissed the report.
Answering questions about financial corruption at various Pakistani diplomatic missions, the spokesman said there was a report of embezzlement in the mission in Bulgaria, and a special fact-finding officer was sent to investigate the issue.
The spokesman said accountant concerned has accepted responsibility for the embezzlement and upon his return to Islamabad, his case has been referred to NAB adding that the Auditor General has just completed the special audit of the Mission.
“Necessary action is being taken based on the observations raised by the Audit”, the spokesman remarked. The spokesman said regarding our High Commissioner in South Africa, the case is subjudice and his travel to Pakistan is in line with relevant rules. Regarding the query about the case in Portugal, the spokesman said misinformation was circulated about Ambassador Leena Moazzam however an inquiry was undertaken which exonerated her, after which she was sent to Belarus as Ambassador by the previous government.
Regarding the case of alleged harassment against Pakistani Ambassador in Rome, an enquiry has been undertaken by the Ministry of Commerce and MOFA and its report has been shared with the Ombudsperson.
The spokesman said regarding our Deputy Head of Mission in Singapore, he has been recalled and action is being taken in this regard.
Published in Daily Times, January 4th 2019.
