Pakistan rejects allegations in US-India communiqué

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GEO NEWS
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday rejected allegations levelled against the country in a joint communiqué by the United States and India.

“We have taken strong exception to the unwarranted references against Pakistan in the recently issued Indo-US Joint Statement of 6 September 2018. Pakistan rejects these baseless allegations. Accordingly, we have conveyed our position to the US side,” Dr Faisal told reporters during a press briefing. 

He added that the ministry was of the view that it was inconsistent with established diplomatic norms to mention a third country with unsubstantiated accusations in a formal outcome document. 

"What is more ironic is that many other thorny issues involving the third countries were avoided in the Joint Statement by the Indian side on the pretext of the same diplomatic practice. As you are aware, the Mumbai trail is ongoing in the Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan. The judicial process shall take its course," the spokesman said.

Dr Faisal stressed that Pakistan was expecting the US to focus on Indian state terrorism and the humanitarian emergency in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK). "In IoK, Indian atrocities have intensified. Indian occupation forces continue to kill innocent Kashmiris with impunity." 

Furthermore, the foreign office spokesperson said views on different issues were exchanged during US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visit to Pakistan. "Dialogue is the only way to move forward," Dr Faisal noted.

In response to a question regarding the US supporting talks between India and Pakistan, Dr Faisal responded that Islamabad’s position on this issue was very clear. “We are ready for talks with India. We have also conveyed our position to the international community. It remains for India to respond.” 

Speaking about the country's western neighbour Afghanistan, the foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan believes a solution to the Afghan issue can only be found by the people of Afghanistan.

He further noted that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's first foreign visit is to Afghanistan on Saturday, where he will exchange views on Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Report on plans to review CPEC agreements rejected 

Dr Mohammad Faisal also rejected a report that claimed Pakistan is mulling to negotiate the terms of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

A British newspaper had earlier published a report, claiming that Pakistan is reviewing the trade agreements with China under CPEC, a key part of Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road project.

Soon after the report was published, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textiles, Industries production and Investment, Abdul Razzaq Dawood rejected the claims made by the British newspaper. 

During the weekly briefing to media in Islamabad, Dr Faisal said in addition to completely rejecting reports of Pakistan's plans to review CPEC agreements, the government also rejects any impressions of the same. 

"I completely reject any insinuations against CPEC. We have already issued a detailed Press Release and we stand by that," Dr Faisal asserted.  

Prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia

Dr Faisal also announced Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Saudi Arabia. A final date of the visit is yet to be determined. 

The spokesman when asked about reports that Bahrain was denying visas to Pakistanis, said the Foreign Office was in contact Bahraini authorities.

“Bahrain has not frozen visa facility for Pakistanis. It has started greater scrutiny of visa applications, not only from Pakistan but also from other countries. We have taken up the matter with the government of Bahrain at the Foreign Minister's level and have been assured of their cooperation.”