During a weekly press briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, dismissed speculation about Pakistan aligning itself with the “China bloc” amid the ongoing power rivalry between the United States and China.
Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s consistent policy of not engaging in bloc politics and emphasized the strong and enduring “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s excellent relations with countries across the globe in various regions.
Baloch acknowledged the longstanding friendship and partnership between Pakistan and the United States, stating that the relationship is multifaceted and involves cooperation in various areas.
She emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to neutrality and clarified that Pakistan has no intention of aligning with any bloc.
Addressing concerns about human rights violations in Pakistan raised in a letter from over 60 congressmen to the US Secretary of State, Baloch expressed disagreement with the characterization of events mentioned in the letter.
She referred to the National Security Committee’s clarification and reassured that Pakistan is dedicated to protecting the rights and property of its citizens, with constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the judiciary.
Regarding India’s hosting of the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, Baloch criticized the move, considering Jammu and Kashmir as an internationally recognized disputed territory.
She condemned India’s decision to host the meeting in Indian-held Kashmir, which disregarded relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, the UN Charter principles, and international law.
Baloch commended countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman for not attending the meeting, emphasizing their commitment to international law.
She urged India to grant unrestricted access to international media and human rights organizations, end repression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, support a UN Commission of Inquiry, and facilitate a UN-supervised plebiscite for the people of Kashmir.
Additionally, Baloch announced the appointment of Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani as Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan. Ambassador Durrani, a retired Foreign Service officer with extensive experience, will serve as a liaison between international partners and Pakistani leadership, representing Pakistan in significant international mechanisms related to Afghanistan.
