Pakistan backs S Arabia-hosted Ukraine peace talks

Pakistan extended its support to Saudi Arabia's initiative to convene a summit in Jeddah, where over 40 countries gathered to discuss a peace plan proposed by Ukraine and its allies. The aim of the summit was to explore avenues for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch affirmed Pakistan's commitment to fostering peace and dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. She expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's endeavour to facilitate constructive dialogue and establish common ground, ultimately working towards peaceful resolutions.

The Jeddah summit marked the second such gathering, following a similar assembly in Copenhagen earlier in the summer. Its objective was to outline essential principles aimed at ending Russia's engagement in the conflict with Ukraine.

Responding to queries about the Indian Supreme Court hearing on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, Baloch reiterated Pakistan's stance. She emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is internationally recognized as a disputed territory, subject to final resolution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Baloch underscored Pakistan's non-recognition of India's control or occupation of Kashmir, asserting that Article 370 or any provision that perpetuates India's presence has never been accepted. Pakistan remains deeply concerned about India's unilateral actions since 2019, aimed at altering the demographic and political landscape in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These measures are seen as an attempt to disempower the Kashmiri population and are deemed unacceptable.

Pakistan calls for the annulment of these steps to pave the way for an environment conducive to peace and dialogue. Baloch affirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution and the importance of international consensus in achieving lasting peace in the region. –APP