Pakistan maintains a robust defense to protect its territorial integrity & sovereignty: FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan
ISLAMABAD, Feb 06 (SABAH): Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan says Pakistan has always aspired for a peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said resolution of this dispute is a key to unlocking the full potential of South Asian region.
Referring to the recent irresponsible statements from the Indian leadership, the FO Spokesperson said Pakistan maintains a robust defense to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Responding to a question, the FO Spokesperson demanded Afghan authorities to fulfill their assurances by taking action against the terrorist organizations operating on their soil.
Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan’s position on Palestine issue is clear and it will continue to stand by the people of Palestine in their just struggle for self-determination as well as for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al Sharif as its capital. He said the proposal to displace the Palestinians from Gaza is deeply troubling and unjust, emphasizing Palestinian land belongs to the Palestinian people.
Earlier in his opening statement, the FO spokesperson said that Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi will undertake an official visit to Pakistan next week at the invitation of government of Pakistan. During his visit, the DG IAEA will call on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. He will also participate in seminars at Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the National University of Sciences and Technology. He will also visit Chashma nuclear power generating stations.
The FO spokesperson said Pakistan and IAEA have a longstanding cooperation. Pakistan is currently member of the Board of Governors of the IAEA. He said the visit of DG IAEA reaffirms Pakistan’s deepening partnership with the IAEA on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology aimed at fostering socio-economic development of the country.
Meanwhile in a separate statement FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that the proposal to displace the people of Gaza is deeply troubling and unjust. The Palestinian land belongs to the Palestinian people and the only viable and just option is the two-state solution, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
FO Spokesperson said that Pakistan has been and will continue to stand by the people of Palestine in their just struggle for self-determination, as well as for the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
He said that any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land as well as to continue illegal settlements would be a blatant violation of the international law, and undermine the peace and security of the entire region.
FO Spokesperson said that Pakistan reiterates its call for the return of all displaced Palestinians to their homes, including in Gaza; complete withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the occupied territories, upscaling of the humanitarian assistance and end to all obstructions, as well as concerted international efforts for the early reconstruction of Gaza.