Foreign governments should avoid interfering in Pakistan's internal matters: FO

The Foreign Office has urged foreign governments to avoid interfering in Pakistan's internal matters.

In a weekly briefing, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasised that other countries do not need to comment on Pakistan's domestic matters and that foreign governments should refrain from meddling in Pakistan’s internal issues.

Speking on the situation in Bangladesh, Baloch strongly rejected allegations about Pakistan's role in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid saying there is absolutely no truth in them.

She said Pakistan believes that the people of Bangladesh have the capacity to settle their affairs and determine their future.

The foreign office spokesperson also expressed concern about the evolving situation in the Middle East. Baloch stated that Iran has the right to defend itself, and called for accountability for Israel's actions. She condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, noting the high civilian casualties and stressing that Israel should be held accountable for what she described as genocide in Gaza.

She reiterated Pakistan's support for a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that while Pakistan welcomes any steps towards a ceasefire, it is not involved in negotiations.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also strongly denounced the storming of Al-Aqsa mosque by hundreds of extremist settlers led by office bearers of Israeli occupation authorities.

She said desecration of one of Islam's holiest sites and obstruction to the rights of worshippers have deeply hurt the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.

This act is a violation of Geneva Convention and blatant disregard of multiple UNSC resolutions.

The spokesperson called upon the international community especially the UN Security Council to take immediate action to end the serious and repeated transgressions against the sanctity of holy sites in Jerusalem, protect the Islamic character of Al-Aqsa and ensure the freedom of worship of the Palestinian people.

On the issue of Kashmir, Baloch strongly condemned the killing of four Kashmiri youth by Indian occupation forces in Doda district. The spokesperson said this brutal act is yet another example of India's illegal and oppressive steps against the Kashmiri people.

She urged the international community to take immediate and decisive action to hold India accountable for its egregious human rights violations in IIOJK and take steps to protect the rights and freedoms of Kashmiri people.

She also mentioned that Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Iraqi government regarding pilgrim arrangements.

Regarding monkeypox, Baloch referred to the World Health Organization's advisory and indicated that the Ministry of National Health would provide an official response.

When asked about the recent Afghan firing on Torkham border, the spokesperson regretted the incident saying Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defence. She urged the Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked acts on Pakistan-Afghanistan border. She said the Afghan authorities must understand that Pakistani forces will always defend its territory. She said we remain ready to resolve any misunderstanding through diplomatic channels.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has consistently raised its concerns about the presence of terrorist hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. She said Pakistan expects the Afghan authorities to take effective and robust action against the terrorist groups.

Baloch highlighted Pakistan's role as the chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State and noted that participation in the SCO meeting is ongoing.

She also mentioned that trade between Pakistan and India remains suspended due to actions taken by India in 2019. Baloch added that no talks are currently taking place with India for resumption of bilateral trade.

Lastly, the spokesperson expressed concern over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and called for a peaceful resolution.