US has given assurances not to repeat controversial torture methods: FO

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam on Thursday condemned the CIA torture of prisoners as revealed in a recent US Senate Committee report highlighting the brutal methods used on the detainees held by the US, Radio Pakistan reported.

“Pakistan deplores the systematic torture to detainees by the CIA,” Aslam said.

“The US Senate Committee report re-enforced what we have said all along [in regard to how] international humanitarian law must be respected while encountering international terrorism,” the spokesperson said, emphasising the need for transparency.

The Foreign Office spokesperson also said the US administration has given assurances that the controversial torture methods would not be repeated.

Expressing pride for Malala's Nobel Peace Prize

Aslam expressed pride in Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, saying, “We are proud of her.”

Referring to the life threats Malala faces, Aslam said, “Due to developments in our region and neighbourhood over the last 30 years, unfortunately all of us face some threats.”

However, she added that the country would overcome the challenges it is facing.

Pakistan welcomes UN Secretary General’s statement

Welcoming the statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, wherein he offered his good offices to assist in resolving Kashmir dispute, Aslam said, “This unresolved issue remains the root cause of tension between Pakistan and India, and it’s just resolution is of paramount importance for ensuring peace, stability and development in the region.”

The spokesperson said that Pakistan firmly believes in the resolution Kashmir dispute in accordance with will of Kashmiri people. She added that Pakistan remains committed to a sustained, unconditional and result-oriented dialogue with India, to discuss all outstanding issue, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Development projects in Azad Kashmir

Responding to question regarding the statement of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urging China to refrain from building infrastructure projects in Azad Kashmir, the foreign office spokesperson said how China responds to Swaraj’s comments would be China’s decision.

However, she added that development projects in Azad Kashmir initiated by Pakistan will go ahead since they are in the interest of the people of Azad Kashmir. Aslam pointed out that that India too was constructing similar projects in Indian Kashmir.

Robin Raphael

Refuting the reports that ex-US diplomat Robin Raphael was allegedly spying for Pakistan, the foreign office spokesperson said, “No country has been mentioned. There are obliviously speculative reports particularly in the Indian media.”

Development projects in Afghanistan

In response to a question whether the Pakistan has a role apart from security cooperation, Aslam said Pakistan has allocated $500 million dollars for development projects in Afghanistan.

She added that many infrastructure projects including, roads, hospitals and other such projects are under construction.

Pakistan condemns killing of Palestinian Cabinet Minister by Israel

Pakistan strongly condemns the killing of Palestinian Cabinet Minister, Ziad Abu Ein, by Israeli forces on Wednesday, the foreign office spokesperson said. “This is an act of barbarism of which there is no precedent.”

Calling for the end of the continued killing of the people of Palestine, Aslam said, “Pakistan expects the United Nations, OIC and International Community to play their role in this regard.”