Foreign Office warns against US Congressional meddling in domestic affairs
FO spox Mumtaz Baloch also clears the air over participation at BRICS Summit
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The Foreign Office of Pakistan strongly condemned a letter sent by 60 US Congress members to President Joe Biden, advocating for the release of deposed premier Imran Khan, stating that such interventions in Pakistan's internal matters violate diplomatic etiquette and could adversely affect Pakistan-US relations.
During a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stressed that comments regarding Pakistan’s domestic issues are incompatible with the principles of mutual respect and cooperative relations that have historically defined ties between the two countries.
"The United States and Pakistan have a long-standing cooperative relationship," Mumtaz Baloch remarked. "However, interference in our internal affairs through letters like this is not acceptable and undermines diplomatic decorum."
In the same briefing, Mumtaz Baloch highlighted Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s ongoing participation in the Commonwealth of Nations meeting in Samoa. He reiterated the importance of close collaboration among Commonwealth countries to address shared challenges.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Baloch condemned the Israeli forces for their actions, labelling them as war crimes and calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians.
She also denounced the targeting of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and urged an end to operations against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Baloch noted that October 27 is observed as a "black day" in Pakistan, marking the landing of Indian forces in Kashmir, which continues to be unrecognized by the Kashmiri populace.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s relations with Russia, she indicated that while there are good contacts between the two countries, she could not confirm any foreign visits related to this matter.
Regarding the recent BRICS forum held in Kazan, the spox revealed that Pakistan was not invited to participate but has applied for membership, expressing hope for a positive response soon.
On the topic of US sanctions on Pakistani companies, she criticized these restrictions as reflective of double standards, reiterating that past impositions were often based on minimal suspicion.
The spokesperson also shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to President Biden regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, requesting her release from imprisonment in the United States.
In a positive development, Baloch announced that Pakistan has renewed its agreement with India for the expansion of the Gurdwara Kartar Sahib for another five years, facilitating pilgrimages for Sikhs from both nations.
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