FO terms Shahzad Akbar's acid attack allegations 'preposterous'

Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch refuted on Thursday former premier Imran Khan’s advisor Shahzad Akbar's allegations against Pakistani institutions as "preposterous".

In her weekly press briefing, the spokesperson stated that Akbar’s accusations were "baseless and politically motivated".

Baloch emphasized Pakistan's commitment to the safety of its nationals abroad, denying any policy to target them. She highlighted Pakistan's non-engagement in extraterritorial actions against high-profile political dissidents in the UK, “despite some maintaining links with terrorist entities in Pakistan”.

Akbar has initiated legal action against the Pakistani government over an alleged acid attack in England last year that he said has “left him scarred”. He alleges government involvement and has served legal documents to the Pakistan High Commission in London, naming several officials as responsible for the attack.

Baloch also condemned the treatment of German Ambassador Alfred Grannas at the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore, describing the incident as "deplorable."

Pro-Palestine protestors disrupted Grannas' speech, accusing Germany of stifling free speech over Israel’s war on Gaza while “lecturing” others on upholding free speech.

One protester challenged the ambassador, stating, “Excuse me, Mr ambassador. I am appalled by the audacity of discussing civil rights while your country is accused of brutalities against Palestinians”.

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Echoes of support for Gaza and Palestine reverberated through the venue, drawing applause and cheers from the audience. Chants of “Free, Free Palestine” and “From the River to the Sea” filled the air.

In response to the youth's fervent expressions, the German ambassador lost control and scolded them, saying,

“Shouting is not dialogue… if you wish to shout, do so outside… shame on you”.

However, the FO spokesperson condemned Israel's actions in the West Bank, calling them violations of international law and hindrances to a two-state solution. She urged the international community to prevent Israel from committing further crimes and emphasized Pakistan's support for an independent Palestinian state.

She also mentioned Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's visit to Gambia for the Council of Foreign Ministers and the OIC Summit, where Pakistan plans to address various global challenges, including the situation in Gaza and the rights of Kashmiris. Pakistan will emphasize the need for solidarity and unity among Muslim nations.

On the issue of Kashmir, the spokesperson condemned India's campaign to seize Kashmiri properties in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's support for Kashmiris' right to self-determination and criticized India's colonial strategies in the region.