No change in policy on Kashmir dispute: FO

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday categorically stated that there is no change in its policy on Jammu and Kashmir dispute and different insinuations about the statement of the Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir are baseless and uncalled for.

At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan has consistently maintained that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Replying to a question about Pakistan’s relations with Iran, the Spokesperson said both are very close and neighbouring countries and friends. Pakistan remains committed to peace and security in the region and is open to play any positive contribution to bring the tensions down and promote diplomatic solutions to the problems, and we will continue to play it.

About the Deputy Prime Minister’s alleged statement on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui issue, he categorically stated there is no change in Pakistan’s stance on the issue.

The Spokesperson said the remarks, mentioning in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui case during the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s talk at the Atlantic Council in the United States, are being completely misconstrued. The PML-N government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has consistently pursued diplomatic and legal avenues to secure Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s release from the US custody and remains committed to this cause.

Shafqat Ali Khan said Pakistan has prioritized Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case since conviction in 2010. Pakistan has worked to uphold Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s rights and humanitarian concerns through high level diplomacy, clemency request, consular access and legal support. He regretted the attempts on social media to misrepresent the government’s efforts in this regard.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson said government will continue to tirelessly pursue the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui while upholding international law and bilateral cooperation.