Muhammad Asad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is deeply saddened over the demise of iconic leader of Kashmir Freedom Movement Syed Ali Shah Geelani, after prolong house arrest in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It was observed by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Amb. Asim Iftikhar Ahmed during weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Tuesday.
Amb. Asim said that Pakistan is observing official mourning of the demise of great Kashmiri leader and Pakistan’s national flag flying at half-mast. According to Spokesperson, the legacy of Ali Shah Geelani will continue to inspire all those carrying his mission forward to bring an end to illegal Indian occupation of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Spokesperson categorically rejected heinous act of Indian Occupied Forces of obstructing the burial of Ali Shah Geelani in accordance with his will and wishes of his family members.
According to Amb. Asim Iftikhar, the Indian barbaric behavior at this movement clearly depicts the highest degree of callousness on part of the Indian government and its occupation forces in complete disregard of human values and international laws.
While offering rich tributes to late Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Spokesperson noted that Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s unflinching commitment to the Kashmir cause, in the face of persistent persecution and tremendous personal hardship, is unparalleled.
Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson called on the international community to take serious note of the unprecedented and egregious situation in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and hold India to account for its breaches of international human rights and humanitarian laws in the valley.
While responding to media query regarding Indian propaganda campaign against Pakistan, Spokesperson said that India has been leveling false and baseless allegations against Pakistan during the past, however, India is trying to avert the attention of International Community from its internal grave situation of human and religious rights of its minorities particularly in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) over the past two years. Amb. Asim Iftikhar urged the international community to take notice of Indian war crimes in IIOJK and observed that false narrative of Indian government has been exposed to the international community over the past years.
While answering a question regarding any possible Indian misadventure against Pakistan, Spokesperson said that Pakistan has demonstrated its will and capability in February 2019 and it has informed the international community about Indian designs of staging false flag operation against Pakistan during the past.
While commenting on Pakistan role in any international efforts for the security of Kabul airport, Amb. Iftikhar said that Pakistan will welcome any international effort aims at security of Kabul international airport because it is very essential for continuity of aviation operation of the airport and Afghanistan connectivity with rest of the world.
While responding to a question regarding Pakistan pre-conditions for recognition of Taliban government in Kabul, Spokesperson said that Pakistan has no such conditions for recognition of next Afghan government, however, Pakistan and international community desire that there must be an inclusive and broad-based political setup representing all factions of Afghan society so the peace and stability can be ensured in the country.
In a response to a query about Pakistan role in supply of food and essential commodities to Afghanistan, Amb. Asim said that Pakistan is working in collaboration with World Food Program (WFP) and international community in establishing an airbridge between Islamabad and Kabul for provision of medicines and other necessities to Afghan people.
While responding a query on the remarks of Taliban spokesman regarding TTP, Asim said that TTP is a proscribed entity and Pakistan has been raising issue of its presence in Afghanistan with past Afghan governments during the past and will also raised this issue with next government of Afghanistan when it assumes office.
While answering a query regarding Pakistan assistance in evacuation of foreigners from Afghanistan including US troops, Amb. Asim said that Pakistan had provided all possible assistance in evacuation of foreign nationals of several countries irrespective of their nationality in line with decision of National Security Council (NSC) of the country.
Spokesperson said that the story published by a foreign newspaper regarding Gwadar’s water crisis is incorrect. He further added that recently prime Minister Imran Khan has inaugurated a water filtration plant at Gwadar, while city is being supplied with electricity from Iran and a 300 GW powerplant is under construction which will fulfill the energy needs of the area during coming days.
While responding to media query regarding origin tracing of COVID-19, Spokesperson said that origin tracing of COVID-19 is a Scientific issue and must be resolve by the Scientists. Pakistan supports the work of COVID-19 origin tracing and hope that World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with International Community would resolve the issue of origin tracing during coming days.
