Pakistan rejects claims of supplying Shaheen missiles to Iran

Pakistan's Foreign Office has categorically denied reports claiming that Islamabad is planning to supply Shaheen ballistic missiles to Iran.

In a weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that there is no truth to these allegations.

During the briefing, Baloch highlighted Pakistan's active participation in regional and international matters.

She mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister represented Pakistan at the extraordinary OIC meeting addressing the situation in Palestine.

At the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of continuing uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Palestine.

On the occasion of ASEAN Day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister conveyed congratulations on behalf of Pakistan, further strengthening diplomatic ties.

Pakistan had observed Kashmir Exploitation Day earlier on August 5, marking five years since India's revocation of Article 370 in the Muslim-majority region.

Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people and condemned the Indian media's ongoing propaganda against Pakistan.

She reiterated Pakistan’s stance that the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Addressing an alleged attack on Donald Trump by a Pakistani in the United States, Baloch assured that Pakistani authorities are in constant contact with US officials and are awaiting further details on the matter. The Pakistani Embassy remains engaged with US authorities regarding Pakistani citizens.

Baloch also touched upon Pakistan's longstanding positive relations with Bangladesh.

She expressed sympathy for the people and government of Bangladesh and congratulated the new Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government. The Pakistani High Commissioner attended the swearing-in ceremony, reflecting the friendly ties between the two nations.

Following the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Baloch informed that the acting Iranian Foreign Minister had contacted Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. The two discussed the situation during the OIC extraordinary meeting, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to maintaining peace in the region.

However she added reports claiming that Islamabad was planning to supply Shaheen ballistic missiles to Iran were completely false.

In conclusion, Baloch congratulated Arshad Nadeem for winning a gold medal for Pakistan at the Paris Olympics.

Regarding the India-US defense cooperation bill recently presented in Congress, the spokesperson expressed Pakistan's concerns and emphasised that friendly countries should not be targeted.

Pakistan values its relationship with the US and hopes that the US Congress will contribute to improving bilateral relations.