ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Foreign Office has clarified reports alleging that Islamabad was supplying Shaheen ballistic missiles to Iran.
In a weekly briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated unequivocally that these claims are baseless and Pakistan was not sending missiles to Iran.
During the briefing, Baloch also emphasized Pakistan’s active role in regional and international affairs. She noted that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister recently represented Pakistan at an extraordinary OIC meeting focused on the situation in Palestine, where they stressed the importance of ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid to the region.
On ASEAN Day, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister extended congratulations on behalf of Pakistan, further solidifying diplomatic ties with ASEAN countries.
Pakistan observed Kashmir Exploitation Day on August 5, marking the fifth anniversary of India’s revocation of Article 370 in the Muslim-majority region. Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to providing diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri people and condemned the ongoing propaganda against Pakistan by Indian media. She reaffirmed that Pakistan believes the Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Regarding reports of an alleged attack on Donald Trump by a Pakistani in the United States, Baloch assured that Pakistani authorities are in constant communication with U.S. officials and are awaiting further details. The Pakistani Embassy is actively engaged with U.S. authorities concerning Pakistani citizens.
Baloch also highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding positive relations with Bangladesh, expressing sympathy for the people and government of Bangladesh and congratulating the new Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government. The attendance of the Pakistani High Commissioner at the swearing-in ceremony was noted as a reflection of the friendly ties between the two nations.
Following the recent conflict between Iran and Israel, Baloch mentioned that the acting Iranian Foreign Minister had reached out to Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. They discussed the situation during the OIC extraordinary meeting, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace. Baloch also reiterated that reports suggesting Islamabad was planning to supply Shaheen ballistic missiles to Iran were entirely false.
In closing, Baloch congratulated Arshad Nadeem for winning a gold medal for Pakistan at the Paris Olympics.
Addressing the India-U.S. defense cooperation bill recently introduced in Congress, the spokesperson expressed Pakistan’s concerns, emphasizing that friendly countries should not be unfairly targeted. Pakistan values its relationship with the United States and hopes that the U.S. Congress will work toward strengthening bilateral relations.
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