Pak was ‘not surprised’ by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader: Syrus Sajjad Qazi

NEW YORK, Sep 20 (SABAH): Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi has said Pakistan was ‘not surprised’ by Canada’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader, emphasising that Islamabad understands the nature and behaviour of its eastern neighbour.

Syrus Sajjad Qazi made these remarks during a news briefing held in New York.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently claimed to possess “credible evidence” linking the Indian state to the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The 45-year-old Nijjar was shot dead by two masked gunmen in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, a province in Canada.

Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi pointed to Pakistan’s own experiences with India, including the case of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, a serving Naval officer who entered Pakistan clandestinely. Jadhav had confessed to his espionage activities in Pakistan. Qazi emphasised, “Based on our experience with India, we are not surprised by the allegations made by the Canadian PM.”

Syrus Sajjad Qazi further added that Pakistan was well-acquainted with India, having dealt with them for over seven decades. He recalled Pakistan’s response to India’s incursion in February 2019 and asserted that Pakistan would defend its independence again if necessary.

“Whenever there is instability in Pakistan, India often had a hand in it,” Syrus Sajjad Qazi claimed, highlighting the need for the international community to understand India’s behavioor on the global stage.

Prime Minister Trudeau, speaking in the House of Commons, did not provide specific details about the allegations but expressed his “deep concerns” to Indian security and intelligence officials and personally to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent Group of 20 summit in New Delhi.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs swiftly rejected Canada’s allegations and expelled a Canadian diplomat in retaliation for the expulsion of an Indian diplomat by Canada over the case.

In Washington, the United States expressed deep concern over the allegations made by the Canadian leader. The White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, emphasised the importance of Canada’s investigation and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Foreign Secretary Syrus Sajjad Qazi used the briefing to inform Pakistani reporters about the activities of Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, who participated in bilateral talks and meetings on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.