FO slams Afghan link in US shooting, Tajik drone strike

Pakistan has called upon the international community to intensify efforts against terrorism, condemning the shooting in Washington DC, on Thursday as an act of terrorism. The Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi extended condolences to the affected families. 

At the weekly Foreign Office press briefing, Andrabi recounted and condemned the killing of Chinese nationals in Tajikistan, extending condolences to the two countries. Three Chinese workers in Tajikistan were killed in an attack launched from Afghanistan near the border, Tajik authorities said Thursday.

He stated that reports have suggested that an Afghan national may have been involved in the incident in the US. "Pakistan has faced numerous terrorist incidents over the past two decades, many linked to Afghanistan." The spokesperson stated that the Washington incident represents a rising case of terrorism, calling upon Afghanistan to prevent terrorism originating from its territory. 

Andrabi also slammed remarks made regarding Sindh made by the Indian Defence Minister, calling them provocative "Such statements are based on misconceptions. Pakistan supports the peaceful resolution of disputes and will not compromise on its defence."

Read: Tajikistan slams deadly drone attack from Afghanistan

A United Nations report was mentioned, which highlights human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The report states that currently 2,800 Kashmiris are in Indian custody. Pakistan urged India to release the prisoners. 

"Pakistan strongly objects to the installation of a temple flag at the site of the Babri Mosque. Pakistan expresses concerns over hate-driven actions against minorities in India, particularly Muslims".

The spokesperson also condemned the ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. "The Israeli attacks have killed several civilians, including women and children."

Read more: Three Chinese citizens killed in Tajik-Afghan border clash

The spokesperson also confirmed Pakistan's membership in the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

He talked about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's two-day visit to Bahrain, during which productive meetings were held with the Bahraini leadership. Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors. 

Speaking about the two-day visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Andrabi stated that the two countries held important meetings and exchanged views on regional and international matters. Both sides pledged to work together on global forums.