FO summons acting US ambassador over Balochistan bill

Foreign Office seeks explanation over US Congressman's bill on Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD: US Charge d' Affaires Ambassador Richard Hoaglan was called to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and a strong protest was lodged with him with regard to the tabling of a resolution on Balochistan in the US Congress.

Ambassador Hoagland was told in clear terms that the move in the US Congress was contrary to the spirit of friendly relations and violates the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and the recognised norms of inter-state conduct.

He was asked to convey the serious concern of the Government of Pakistan to the US Administration, said a statement of the Foreign Office.

The motion, which had been moved by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and co-sponsored by House Representatives Louie Gohmert and Steve King, highlights Balochistan’s troubled past with the centre after the creation of Pakistan and calls upon Pakistan to recognise the Baloch right to self determination.

Today, a resolution was also filed in the Punjab Assembly secretariat to condemn the US bill on Balochistan and demanded that US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter be summoned in the house for an explanation.