FO rejects OHCHR's claims on constitutional amendment

Foreign Office spokesperson asserts High Commissioner had drawn unwarranted conclusions from media reports

The Foreign Office of Pakistan rejected a statement made by the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding the 26th constitutional amendment, labelling it as based on inaccurate information, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the media during a weekly briefing in Islamabad, asserting that the High Commissioner had drawn unwarranted conclusions from media reports, social media posts, and politically motivated speculative analysis.

She urged the OHCHR to focus on the actual and severe human rights violations occurring globally, where international human rights standards have been rendered ineffective or where draconian laws have been enacted to oppress occupied peoples.

When asked about the recent blacklisting of approximately two dozen companies by the United States, the spokesperson described the action as biased and politically motivated. She noted that similar listings in the past were based on mere suspicion.

The spokesperson pointed out that the items involved were not listed under the export control regime but were categorised as sensitive under broad catch-all provisions.

Baloch stressed that some countries while professing strict adherence to non-proliferation norms, have conveniently waived licensing requirements for advanced military technologies to favoured nations.

She argued that such double standards and discriminatory practices undermine the credibility of global non-proliferation regimes, increase military asymmetries, and jeopardise international peace and security.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had written to US President Joe Biden, requesting consideration of Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy petition on humanitarian grounds. She stated that Pakistan has been in contact with the US to provide all possible support for Dr Siddiqui’s welfare.

Responding to questions regarding the Kashmir issue, Baloch reiterated that Pakistan has never accepted the validity of the Indian constitution in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. She affirmed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should decide their future based on UN Security Council resolutions.