Pakistan strongly condemns extra-judicial killing of 11 more Kashmiris in fresh acts of state-sponsored terrorism in IOJK: FO Spokesperson
ISLAMABAD, June 24 (SABAH): Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad has said that Pakistan strongly condemns extra-judicial killing of 11 more Kashmiris in fresh acts of state-sponsored terrorism by Indian occupation forces in Pulwama and Baramulla Districts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
This was stated by FO Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad while addressing the weekly press briefing on Friday. He said that since India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019, more than 636 Kashmiris have embraced martyrdom in fake ‘encounters’ and so-called ‘cordon-and-search operations. This year alone, 113 extra-judicial killings of Kashmiris have been recorded.
He said that India must realize that use of brutal force against the Kashmiri people, extra-judicial killings, custodial torture and deaths, forced disappearances, incarceration of Kashmiri leadership and youth and other methods of subjugation have failed in the past and will not succeed in the future.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that Pakistan also urges the international community to hold India responsible for its brazen suppression of innocent Kashmiris and play its due role in ensuring a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
FO spokesperson extended deepest condolences and sympathies over the loss of precious lives and damage to property caused by the tragic earthquake in Paktika province of Afghanistan and its adjoining areas, and torrential floods in various provinces across the country.
He said that on Thursday Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Acting Prime Minister of the Interim Afghan Government, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund to offer condolences and prayers for the departed souls and wished speedy recovery for the injured.
He said that on directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan has dispatched relief goods to Afghanistan on 22 June 2022. He said that government and people of Pakistan stand ready to extend all possible support to ameliorate the suffering of our Afghan brethren in this difficult time.
He said that at its plenary meeting last week in Berlin, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) acknowledged the completion of Pakistan’s Action Plans of 2018 and 2021 covering 34 items, especially the early completion of the 2021 Action Plan in a record timeframe, and also authorized an onsite visit to Pakistan, as a final step to exit from the grey list. He said that Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar led Pakistan’s delegation to the FATF Plenary, and had a detailed press interaction on return.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that in their statements, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister welcomed the development and commended the hard work and dedicated efforts of Pakistan’s FATF team that led to the successful completion of all technical requirements of both FATF Action Plans. They acknowledged the concerted national efforts and complete harmony of interests by all stakeholders and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to continue this positive trajectory of reforming the financial sector as part of its larger strategic objective of strengthening Pakistan’s economy. They also expressed hope for a successful on-site visit and early culmination of the process leading to Pakistan’s exit from the grey list.
He said that on 17 June 2022, the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi issued 495 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to attend the rituals related to the annual Death Anniversary of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh from 21-30 June 2022. During the visit, the pilgrims would, inter-alia, go to Panja Sahib, Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur Sahib. He said that on 20 June, the Government of Pakistan has released 20 Indian fishermen prisoners upon completion of their sentences. These fishermen have been repatriated via Wagah Border to India.
Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that on 20 June, the first batch of 90 Pakistani students have returned to China on a special chartered flight to continue their on-campus studies. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had made a special request for the return of students to China for on-campus studies during his meeting with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China on 22 May. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, HEC and the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing have been actively engaged in efforts for facilitating the return of the students. It is expected that the successful arrival of the first batch would pave the way for return of all Pakistani students to China for on-campus studies.