Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that Pakistan has no information regarding Pakistanis traveling to Israel and reaffirmed that there has been no change in Pakistan’s stance on recognizing Israel.
During the weekly press briefing, the spokesperson mentioned that reports of a Pakistani delegation visiting Israel were only learned through the media. He added that an individual had tweeted about traveling to Israel, but the Foreign Office has no official knowledge of this visit. However, investigations are underway, and further information will be provided once available.
Regarding Israel's attacks, the Foreign Office strongly condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Gaza, stating that these attacks are in violation of ceasefire agreements.
Reacting to recent remarks by Indian leaders, Shafqat Ali Khan dismissed claims that India’s actions in Kashmir were peaceful. He asserted that the truth is India has been involved in the massacre of millions of Kashmiris.
He further accused India of being involved in terrorism within Pakistan and criticized New Delhi for not condemning the recent terrorist attack on the Jaffer Express in Balochistan. He claimed that India is actively working to destabilize the entire South Asian region.
Addressing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in a podcast with American host Lex Fridman, the spokesperson said that Modi’s statements about Pakistan’s alleged involvement in proxy wars and terrorism were false and one-sided. Modi had accused Pakistan of responding to India’s peace efforts with hostility and deceit, further alleging that Pakistan had become a global center of terrorism.
Commenting on relations with the United States, Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Pakistan and the US have strong ties across various sectors. He clarified that the recent meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires at the Foreign Office was a routine diplomatic engagement. Regarding speculated travel restrictions, he mentioned that Pakistan has not received any official notification and that such reports are currently based on media speculation.
Discussing Afghanistan, the spokesperson said that summoning Afghan diplomats to the Foreign Office is a routine matter, and Pakistan maintains multiple communication channels with Afghanistan. He confirmed that the Pak-Afghan Torkham border has been reopened for trade and will also be accessible to pedestrians starting tomorrow. The border will remain open until April 15.
Regarding the repatriation of Afghan nationals, he clarified that there has been no change in Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan citizens to leave the country, which remains set for the 31st.
Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its continued support of Pakistan.
Addressing concerns about misinformation, the spokesperson revealed that a fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate rumors and allegations circulating on social media.
Responding to a query about the arrest of Pakistani citizens in Spain, the spokesperson confirmed that the Pakistani consulate had received reports about the matter.
Finally, regarding the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Lebanon, Pakistan urged all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful resolutions.
