Reports of Chinese human trafficking ring mostly propaganda, says FO

Dr Muhammad Faisal says Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan peace process


News Desk April 18, 2019
Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan peace process, FO spokesperson. PHOTO: FILE

The Foreign Office on Thursday clarified that that media reports of Chinese human traffickers illegally operating matchmaking centers in Pakistan, where they allegedly trap women in fake marriages and sell their organs in China as ‘propaganda’.

Addressing the weekly Foreign Office briefing, spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said: "Pakistan and China have supported each other at all times."

Talking about the Indian woman Tina, Dr Faisal said that the Foreign Office was currently reviewing the information received, adding that, "according to the information available to us, no woman was kidnapped."

Referring to India’s non-participation in the Belt and Road forum in China next week, the spokesperson went on to add that it was India's choice if it was not attending the Belt and Road forum “Pakistan is attending the forum,” he added.

Pakistan takes another step towards reducing tensions with India

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be visiting China from April 25-28 on a three-day official visit at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Dr Faisal told the briefing.

PM Imran will attend the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. The forum will be inaugurated by President Xi on April 26.

Belt and Road Forum provides a platform to countries participating in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for exchanging views and experiences on regional connectivity; policy synergy; socio-economic development and trade and commerce. Leaders from 40 countries and delegations from over 100 countries, international organisations and corporate sector would participate in the event.

During the visit, the prime minister will be accompanied by a ministerial delegation. “The premier will deliver a keynote speech in the opening ceremony of the forum and participate in the Leaders’ Round Table.” The prime minister would also hold meetings with several heads of state, corporate and business leaders.

"Pakistan has supported all steps for the Afghan peace process", the spokesperson stated during the briefing.

Dr Faisal elaborated that Pakistan has facilitated the talks in Abu Dhabi and Doha, and will continue to facilitate the peace process in the war-torn country in the future as well.

The spokesperson went on to add that that newly appointed foreign secretary Sohail Mahmood has also taken charge of his office yesterday.

No Pakistani link found in Pulwama attack: FO

Indian atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir are still ongoing, the spokesperson informed.

Four Kashmiris, including a teenager and 11th-grade student, have been martyred informed Dr Faisal.

"We strongly condemn the human rights violations taking place in Kashmir."

Zarak Zaheer a Pakistani tourist in Turkey was killed. Steps are being taken to bringing his body back to Pakistan, FO spokesperson stated.

Zaheer, A Pakistani tourist, lost his life in Turkey when he jumped in tandem along with a parachute pilot Mustafa Kemal Öztürk and crashed into the cliffs.

This will be the first visit by the prime minister to Tehran since he assumed the office of Prime Minister in August last year and comes against the backdrop of recent border incidents that caused hiccup in ties between the two neighbours.

The visit is also being seen as crucial in view of deepening ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia since the change of the government in Islamabad.

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