Elections are not an alternative to right of self-determination of Kashmiris: FO
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to visit United Kingdom from April 30 to May 2.
“Indian media have a tendency to indulge in propaganda against Pakistan," said Foreign office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam. PHOTO: INP/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Elections in Indian Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said on Thursday.
Addressing the weekly press briefing at the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad on Thursday, she was asked whether elections that were being held in Kashmir today are an alternative to the right of self-determination.
“Absolutely not and this is the position of the United Nations Security Council resolutions as well that any elections in Indian occupied Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination.”
In response to a question regarding negative propaganda in Indian media following the attack on journalist Hamid Mir in Karachi, the spokesperson said, “Indian media have a tendency to indulge in propaganda against Pakistan. You talked about the negative propaganda in the Indian media, it has not surprised us. It should not surprise anyone.”
The spokesperson added that criticism of international media of Pakistani institutions was baseless. "We all need to focus on our internal issues, before we start commenting on institutions and situations in other countries."
On a question why Pakistan is entering into an agreement to purchase electricity from Iran, even as the government seems not to have moved forward on the Iran-Pakistan gas project owing to international restrictions, Aslam explained that the pipeline requires extensive infrastructure which obviously requires financial resources. "The main impediment has been the raising of funding for the gas pipeline project."
Refuting the reports that Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit had been cancelled, the spokesperson said no visit had even been scheduled.
However, she said that the Iranian Interior Minister is likely to visit Pakistan. The dates for that visit are being finalised.
The Iranian interior minister would probably visit before the Prime Minister’s visit to Iran, which is expected to take place before May 15.
Prime Minister to Visit UK
According to a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is to visit United Kingdom from April 30, 2014 to May 2, 2014 at the invitation of British Prime Minister, David Cameron.
During the Visit Prime Minister will hold discussions with his British counterpart on matters of mutual interest. Nawaz will also hold meetings with select UK Cabinet Ministers.
The Premier will also address an Investment Conference and meet chief executives and investors from the financial and energy sectors to apprise them on improving business environment in Pakistan.
He will also meet members of the Pakistani Diaspora.
Elections in Indian Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said on Thursday.
Addressing the weekly press briefing at the ministry of foreign affairs in Islamabad on Thursday, she was asked whether elections that were being held in Kashmir today are an alternative to the right of self-determination.
“Absolutely not and this is the position of the United Nations Security Council resolutions as well that any elections in Indian occupied Kashmir are not an alternative to the exercise of their right of self-determination.”
In response to a question regarding negative propaganda in Indian media following the attack on journalist Hamid Mir in Karachi, the spokesperson said, “Indian media have a tendency to indulge in propaganda against Pakistan. You talked about the negative propaganda in the Indian media, it has not surprised us. It should not surprise anyone.”
The spokesperson added that criticism of international media of Pakistani institutions was baseless. "We all need to focus on our internal issues, before we start commenting on institutions and situations in other countries."
On a question why Pakistan is entering into an agreement to purchase electricity from Iran, even as the government seems not to have moved forward on the Iran-Pakistan gas project owing to international restrictions, Aslam explained that the pipeline requires extensive infrastructure which obviously requires financial resources. "The main impediment has been the raising of funding for the gas pipeline project."
Refuting the reports that Iranian Foreign Minister’s visit had been cancelled, the spokesperson said no visit had even been scheduled.
However, she said that the Iranian Interior Minister is likely to visit Pakistan. The dates for that visit are being finalised.
The Iranian interior minister would probably visit before the Prime Minister’s visit to Iran, which is expected to take place before May 15.
Prime Minister to Visit UK
According to a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is to visit United Kingdom from April 30, 2014 to May 2, 2014 at the invitation of British Prime Minister, David Cameron.
During the Visit Prime Minister will hold discussions with his British counterpart on matters of mutual interest. Nawaz will also hold meetings with select UK Cabinet Ministers.
The Premier will also address an Investment Conference and meet chief executives and investors from the financial and energy sectors to apprise them on improving business environment in Pakistan.
He will also meet members of the Pakistani Diaspora.