ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam on Thursday condemned the CIA torture of prisoners as revealed in a recent US Senate Committee report highlighting the brutal methods used on the detainees held by the US, Radio Pakistan reported.
“Pakistan deplores the systematic torture to detainees by the CIA,” Aslam said.
“The US Senate Committee report re-enforced what we have said all along [in regard to how] international humanitarian law must be respected while encountering international terrorism,” the spokesperson said, emphasising the need for transparency.
The Foreign Office spokesperson also said the US administration has given assurances that the controversial torture methods would not be repeated.
Expressing pride for Malala's Nobel Peace Prize
Aslam expressed pride in Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, saying, “We are proud of her.”
Referring to the life threats Malala faces, Aslam said, “Due to developments in our region and neighbourhood over the last 30 years, unfortunately all of us face some threats.”
However, she added that the country would overcome the challenges it is facing.
Pakistan welcomes UN Secretary General’s statement
Welcoming the statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, wherein he offered his good offices to assist in resolving Kashmir dispute, Aslam said, “This unresolved issue remains the root cause of tension between Pakistan and India, and it’s just resolution is of paramount importance for ensuring peace, stability and development in the region.”
The spokesperson said that Pakistan firmly believes in the resolution Kashmir dispute in accordance with will of Kashmiri people. She added that Pakistan remains committed to a sustained, unconditional and result-oriented dialogue with India, to discuss all outstanding issue, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
Development projects in Azad Kashmir
Responding to question regarding the statement of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj urging China to refrain from building infrastructure projects in Azad Kashmir, the foreign office spokesperson said how China responds to Swaraj’s comments would be China’s decision.
However, she added that development projects in Azad Kashmir initiated by Pakistan will go ahead since they are in the interest of the people of Azad Kashmir. Aslam pointed out that that India too was constructing similar projects in Indian Kashmir.
Robin Raphael
Refuting the reports that ex-US diplomat Robin Raphael was allegedly spying for Pakistan, the foreign office spokesperson said, “No country has been mentioned. There are obliviously speculative reports particularly in the Indian media.”
Development projects in Afghanistan
In response to a question whether the Pakistan has a role apart from security cooperation, Aslam said Pakistan has allocated $500 million dollars for development projects in Afghanistan.
She added that many infrastructure projects including, roads, hospitals and other such projects are under construction.
Pakistan condemns killing of Palestinian Cabinet Minister by Israel
Pakistan strongly condemns the killing of Palestinian Cabinet Minister, Ziad Abu Ein, by Israeli forces on Wednesday, the foreign office spokesperson said. “This is an act of barbarism of which there is no precedent.”
Calling for the end of the continued killing of the people of Palestine, Aslam said, “Pakistan expects the United Nations, OIC and International Community to play their role in this regard.”
COMMENTS (16)
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This is what happens when we threaten. Straighten up or else.....! Bravo Sharif sahib tussi great ho!!
It does nto matter how we lick.... We can lick feet by lying down, lying on sides, bending or kneeling or even standing up......WE ARE HAPPY TORTURE OF PAKISTANIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN !!!!!
until someone else finds out newer ways oftorture !!!!!!!
The point is that this is old news where the vast majority of this behavior took place shortly after 911 and was eliminated once Obama came into office. Pakistan on the other hand has regularly tortured prisoners since it's inception .. and continues to do so with impunity as I write this response. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the like are in no position to issue any statements on torture.
Are U.S. assurances to Pakistan as worthwhile as Pakistani assurances to the U.S.?
This is too much loud speaking for a Saudi/Chinese poodle.
US has given assurances to Pakistan? This makes me LAUGH.
Until the Elite Class is taken to task nothing will change. Their assets are in UK and USA. Who collabarated with BUSH and Co to hand over these people to CIA. Musharraf. He should also be tried for crimes against humanity.
It is just a positive step to catalyse a positive change else where particularly in pakistan ,where people are suffering due to blashphemy law . In the same manner anticonnversion law is being discussed for the fisrt time in Indian parliament to discuss this issue on world forum and not only on the streets of India . Some people are trying to give it a communal touch but Modi's govt. is determined to bring drastic change not only in India but all arround the world . Those who want to maintain the status qoa has to go in dorment state as the govt. in India is enjoying the world mandate .
What about the Pakistanis still locked in Guantanamo Bay without a trial? Anybody talking to US about their release?
@unbelievable: Dear unbelievable, What point are you making? The article was about appalling US torture techniques, on a continuing basis, which were apparently approved of at the highest level.
It is amazing that USA gave this assurance to Pakistan. We had not heard that many Pakistani detenus were in US-controlled prisons. If this is an accurate statement, then it is encouraging that USA is acceding to better norms of behaviour. Thanks to the Pakistani spokesperson for this information. V. C. Bhutani, Delhi, 11 Dec 2014, 1736 IST
Why will US give assurances to Pakistan? May be Tasnim Aslam doesn't know that US is an empire and empires don't give assurances or fulfil promises. Emperor does what is right for them. And has Tasnim Aslam forgotten Abu Gharaib incident right after those photos were leaked US had given assurances and made promises to not to repeat.
This govt has no credibility or influence on anyone inside or outside Pakistan
US gave assurances to Pakistan? Really??? Like US really care about Pakistan!!!
US has given assurances to Pakistan ???? is comedy week is going on.
This the same Pakistan where local police regularly torture prisoners? Seem to recall reading about a guy who died of torture by local police not more than a week or two ago on ET.