Pakistan denies missile supply to Iran
Pakistan would support all efforts leading to peace in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said on Friday, stressing war in the region must be avoided.
As Iran prepares for possible strikes against Israel to avenge the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the Foreign Office spokesperson also dismissed reports claiming that Pakistan had agreed to supply ballistic missiles to Iran for an attack on the Jewish state.
The report first appeared in The Jerusalem Post, which was later picked up by the Indian media.
"Such reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the malicious agenda behind them. This is a critical time in the Middle East. We, therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news," Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said.
When asked about Pakistan's strategy and preparation for the potential Iranian attack on Israel, the spokesperson said war must be avoided in the Middle East.
"First, with regards to the recent developments in the Middle East, including following the assassination of the head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, and he conveyed the concerns of Iran on the recent development," she explained.
She added that the issue had later been discussed extensively at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as well.
"Pakistan has strongly condemned the assassination. We strongly condemn the Israeli adventurism in the region. Since October last year, we have repeatedly called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and lifting of siege in Gaza, because we believe that Israeli actions against the Palestinians and against its neighbours are creating instability in the region."
"We also believe that a war in the Middle East must be avoided. Pakistan will therefore support all efforts to ensure peace in the Middle East," the spokesperson said.
It is believed that Pakistan engaged with relevant stakeholders behind the scenes and supported efforts leading to the easing of tensions.
Pakistan fears any escalation or potential of a wider war may have serious implications for the country.
The spokesperson said the OIC, in its extraordinary meeting, issued a statement clearly stating that Israel was behind the killing of Ismail Haniyeh.
"The meeting discussed the ongoing crimes by the occupying power against the Palestinian people and its infringement of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The statement is quite clear. It has held Israel responsible for the heinous attack that led to the assassination of Mr Ismail Haniyeh," she said.
The act was defined by the OIC as a crime of aggression, a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter and a serious infringement of sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security of the Islamic Republic of Iran, she noted.
It also warned that the ongoing crimes of Israel undermine security and stability in the region. It has urged an effective and urgent intervention of the UN Security Council, which has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
"So, I must underline that under international law, it is the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to uphold international peace and to ensure that the Middle East region does not descend into violence and chaos," the spokesperson stressed.
The spokesperson also strongly rebutted Indian media reports implicating Pakistan in the recent events that led to the ouster of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
"Pakistan rejects all such statements. Such statements depict India's disturbing obsession with Pakistan. Indian political leaders and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy," she said.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had expressed its strong support for the people of Bangladesh and solidarity with them as they continue to work towards a harmonious future.
She also confirmed to reporters that Pakistan's High Commissioner in Dhaka had attended the oath-taking ceremony of Professor Muhammad Younus, the head of the interim government in Bangladesh.
To a question regarding the bill that had been introduced in the US Congress, the spokesperson said, "We have noted the reports. We have also noticed some unwarranted references to Pakistan. We have conveyed our concerns to the US side. Establishment of defence relations is the sovereign decision of countries. However, in doing so, friendly countries should not be targeted."
"We have been urging our international partners to take a holistic view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia. Pakistan values its close relationship with the United States. We believe in constructive engagement and dialogue based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and understanding and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs."
"We also believe that deliberations of legislative bodies should contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral ties that should be based on mutual respect and understanding. We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries," she remarked.