ISLAMABAD: During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that Pakistan’s security agencies are resolute in their commitment to eliminating terrorism within the country. Commenting on the recent clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, the spokesperson remarked that there is a global need to address the issue of weapons left in Afghanistan after the US withdrawal. The terrorists are now using these weapons to target Pakistan.
Mumtaz further elaborated that the Pakistani authorities raised the matter of terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan with the Afghan authorities. She emphasized that while Pakistan isn’t blaming any specific party, the global community should focus on the weapons left in Afghanistan, which have now fallen into the hands of terrorist groups.
Commonwealth London conference
Regarding the Commonwealth Youth Ministerial Conference in London from September 12 to 15, the FO informed that Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani will preside over the event. It provides an opportunity to engage with global leaders.
She also addressed the ongoing human rights violations in the Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir of India (IIOJK). She highlighted that international human rights organizations have written to G20 countries to apprise them of the restrictions on freedom of expression and the atrocities in the region.
The spokesperson expressed that the Indian government should focus on addressing the challenges faced by its own citizens rather than making unnecessary comments about Pakistan. She refrained from commenting on the ongoing economic crisis in the country.
Furthermore, she mentioned the importance of Pakistan’s relations with Russia, indicating that the caretaker foreign minister is in the process of finalizing matters related to an upcoming visit to the UK.
Torkham border clash
Regarding the Torkham border clash, the crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for a second day due to clashes between the security forces of both countries. A gun battle erupted earlier, with each side accusing the other of initiating the firefight, resulting in the closure of their busiest trade crossing.
This closure led to significant hardships for individuals, with Afghan citizens’ bodies lying at the crossing point and numerous patients waiting for the reopening of the gate. Citizens, including women, children, and patients, found themselves trapped, and business activities were suspended. The closure also stranded long queues of freight vehicles on both sides of the border.
Pakistan’s local administration official, Irshad Mohmand, explained that the Afghan forces attempted to establish a check post in an area where it was mutually agreed that both sides would not establish such posts.
