ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said that the Chinese President will visit Pakistan soon.
During the weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that the Chinese President Xi Jinping had expressed his desire to visit Pakistan at an early date during last week’s meeting with Sartaj Aziz in Dushanbe.
“We should, therefore, not be concerned in this regard. The visit will take place as soon as possible. The two governments are in touch.”
Asked if foreign diplomats had met with Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Dr Tahirul Qadri, the FO spokesperson said she was not aware of any such meeting. "I am not aware of any permission being sought [for such a meeting]."
"Generally, there is a principle, unrelated to this episode, how our missions work abroad; they do keep in touch with various segments of society and so do other missions here. We very scrupulously avoid any interference in their internal matters and we expect the same from others."
Afghan diplomat summoned
In response to a query about allegations of cross-border attacks levelled by Afghanistan, Aslam said Pakistan was a mature country, and did not think every baseless allegation deserved a response.
“But we do put our record straight. We issued a statement on September 16, as well as condemned the September 17 attack from Afghanistan in North Waziristan,” she said, adding that protest had been lodged with Afghanistan by summoning an Afghan diplomat of undisclosed rank.
“We have lodged a protest and we have asked Afghanistan in very categorical terms to eliminate the terrorist sanctuaries that have taken root in Afghanistan.”
Asked about the Pakistani journalist currently being tried in Afghanistan, Aslam said the "case is now in appeal."
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again hired a lawyer to take up his appeal in the High Court. This is going to be only one hearing in which the decision to his appeal will be given, that is why the lawyer and the concerned officials are proceeding with care."
The spokesperson added that the case was due to be heard on September 16, but the court had deferred it. The next hearing is expected within the next fortnight.
"Our Embassy has also requested the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for private meetings to facilitate the case."
Flood assistance
When asked if any country, apart from India and China had extended assistance for flood affectees, Alsam said Pakistan had not launched a formal international appeal for aid.
"We have not launched any appeal. But a number of countries have offered and given assistance which is generally through the UN organisations like World Food Program, UNICEF and others."
UNGA sessions
The FO spokesperson remained non-committal about Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to New York to attend the UNGA sessions.
"As regards the high level 69th Session of General Assembly, details are still being worked out and once we have a decision we will share it."
Alsam said that UN General Assembly sessions are one of most important forum where world leaders gather to consider issues of peace and security, economic development, environmental issues etc. "It has been a longstanding practice to participate in the high level segment of UN general assembly at the leadership level and to make a policy statement which projects Pakistan’s perspective on vital issues of our interest."
Asked about a possible meeting with Indian counterparts on the sidelines of the UNGA, the spokesperson answered vaguely that the occasion is utilised to meet with other world leaders.
"Whenever Pakistani leadership attends the UNGA session, the occasion is utilised to interact with other world leaders."
Earlier, Aslam provided details about a wall being built by the French Embassy in Islamabad.
"French Embassy was allowed to build a wall on the perimeters of the mission. Somehow, the wall was being built outside and therefore, the work has been stopped. CDA and the French Embassy are in contact."
COMMENTS (8)
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@mashael: How well said. From an outsider's perspective ,the reasons for this state are : 1) subjugation of democratically elected govt by the military ( where else can you have this charade - a dummy PM ever scared of a midnight knock ) ( 30% contribution to the overall issue - What ails Pakistan today) 2) Lack of consumer market attractiveness , despite the potential (20%) 3) Exceedingly corrupt political / bureaucratic system (15%) 4) inept , undecided judiciary that becomes a laughing stock every time a major judgement is delivered only to be overturned or ignored (10%) 5) No movement towards self reliance ( 10%) 6) Lack of credibility ( OBL capture , allowing terrorists a safe heaven disregarding international opinion) (10%) 7) Fixation on one country and thereby becoming a slave to one and all ( imagine Pak courting Sri Lanka just to spite India ) (5%)
Yes , we Indians are no angels but where we score better are in all other factors except 3 where we give you reasonable company .
The masters are coming, be prepared...
Dependence in China is as big a blunder as was becoming dependent on US aid. We don't seem have sny self pride. We are ever redact for alms.
Although there's nothin common between china and Pakistan still we keep going to china for defense and other business deals. It's about time Pakistan teache
Why are we showing such eagerness for Chinese president to visit Pakistan? I have never seen such eagerness in any other nation. I must admit we have lost all our self respect. We are treating as if he is our king and we are his slaves. Friendship is at equal terms and equal level. Do you think Chinese FO will continue to issue such statements if our premier delays or even cancel his visit to China. They probbaly even wouldn't mention it once- not important. If we chose to live like beggars we will forever remain beggars. Or is it that our FO is finally realising that because of their failed foreign policy and illegitimate defense policies Pakistan is being increasingly alienated in the global community and China is its only well wisher. Well, they should know that China has never kept friendship over its self interests- its communist state with no emotions. China will remain our friend as long as we continue to serve its interests like we have served our lord America till now. But what has this, serving other nations, brought to our nation? We will continue to suffer unless we develop strength within ourselves and decide to develop ourselves as a nation. Our corrupt politicians have sold our nation time and again and kept us in dark all this time. It is time we realise that we as nation are not incapable and not worthy of donations alone. Please wake up before our last, so called, friend also desert us to our fate. And, just to clarify, I am not IK supporter- I think he too is trying to mislead the nation.
Dear Mr. Xi, please visit our country. We loves you. Sincerely, Mohd. Aslam, MBBS.
So Shareefs are leaving before his arrival. Great.