Web Desk
Pakistan has categorically rejected speculations suggesting its alignment with any specific bloc in the global power rivalry between the United States and China, emphasizing its consistent policy of non-alignment. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified during a weekly press briefing that Pakistan does not believe in bloc politics.
She highlighted Pakistan’s “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China, which has flourished over several decades and remains a strong commitment for both countries. Baloch further emphasized that Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with numerous countries worldwide, including those in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa.
Regarding the United States, she underlined the longstanding friendship and partnership between Pakistan and the US, dating back to the country’s inception. Baloch described Pakistan-US relations as multidimensional, encompassing various areas of cooperation with Pakistani Americans acting as a bridge between the two nations. Pakistan has no intention of taking sides or affiliating with any bloc, she asserted.
Addressing a question about a letter from over 60 US congressmen regarding human rights violations in Pakistan, Baloch stated that the characterizations of the events of May 9 and the overall situation in Pakistan, as depicted in the letter, do not align with Pakistan’s perspective. She referred to the National Security Committee’s clarification on the factual situation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to protect the rights and property of all its citizens, which are safeguarded by the country’s judiciary.
In response to India hosting the G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar, Baloch criticized the move, stating that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. She highlighted that the issue has remained on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council for over seven decades. India’s decision to hold the meeting in Srinagar disregards relevant UN Security Council resolutions, principles of the UN Charter, and international law.
Baloch appreciated China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman for abstaining from attending the Srinagar meeting, emphasizing their adherence to international law and the UN Charter. She accused India of politicizing yet another international forum and exploiting its position as the current Chair to advance its own agenda. Baloch called on India to provide unrestricted access to international media and independent human rights organizations to report on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), cease repression, support the establishment of a UN Commission of Inquiry, and hold a UN-supervised plebiscite for the people of Kashmir to determine their own future.
Furthermore, Baloch announced the appointment of Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani as Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan. Ambassador Durrani, a retired Foreign Service officer, will serve as a bridge between international partners and Pakistani leadership, representing Pakistan in major international mechanisms on Afghanistan at the level of Special Representatives.
Responding to claims about secret meetings between President Dr. Arif Alvi and ambassadors without involving the Foreign Office, Baloch dismissed such allegations.
