ZULFIQAR AHMAD

ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over the logistics defence pact signed between India and US earlier this week, the Foreign Office on Thursday warned both the countries that it must not disturb the strategic balance in South Asia.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria made it crystal clear that Pakistan hopes that the set arrangements do not contribute to polarizing the region by disturbing the strategic balance in South Asia and escalating the arms build up.

When asked about US Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement on Pakistan’s anti-terror efforts, he said that Pakistan draws no distinction in terrorist groups. “The menace of terrorism is not specific to one country rather it’s an international phenomenon and collective efforts are required to root it out,” he added. He said with the United States, we have a comprehensive mechanism and at bilateral meetings all matters of mutual concerns are discussed.

He reminded the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights which has already offered to send a fact-finding mission to Indian occupied Kashmir to send a mission which can investigate gross human rights violations in held Kashmir. Zakariya said that the Prime Minister has written another letter to UN Secretary General, apprising him of deteriorating situation and human rights violations of helpless Kashmiri people. “The Prime Minister welcomed the UN Secretary General’s call for making efforts to avoid further violence and thanked him for recognising Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute,” he added.

In his letter, the Prime Minister mentioned that while AJK cannot be compared in terms of the grim and tragic situation of human rights in occupied Kashmir, it remains open to any UN mission for a visit as it has always facilitated the UNMOGIP, foreign diplomats and tourists.

The letter called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Balochistan as unwarranted and in complete contravention of the UN charter. It said the remarks were aimed at diverting the world attention from the ongoing atrocities in the held valley.

“The Prime Minister while welcoming the UN Secretary General’s offer of his good offices said that the Kashmir is the main dispute between the two countries,” he added.

He reiterated that Pakistan will continue its efforts to raise the Kashmir dispute at the international level, adding it will figure prominently at the upcoming annual meeting of UN General Assembly and Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) meetings on the sidelines of UN session. Zakaria said that the Indian brutalities have not only been condemned by the international community but also members of different segments of the society within India.

He said the Indian government should listen to those voices and end the bloodshed in the valley, adding Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of the lingering Kashmir dispute through the dialogue process, for which the country is always ready.

The FO spokesman made it crystal clear to India that any preconditions to talks will not be accepted, adding Pakistan will definitely take up the Kashmir issue if India comes to negation table. When asked about the trilateral set up formed by US, India and Afghanistan, he said, “We’re not sure what was the need of this platform,” adding, “Pakistan remains committed to an Afghan-owed and Afghan-led peace process such as the QCG”.

To a question about reopening of Chaman border, Zakaria said that both Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to hold coordination meetings every month.

“The two sides have agreed to respect each other’s flags, documents and leaders. Visas and passport issues will also be discussed between the two countries,” he added.

On nomination of 22 MPs by the Prime Minister to highlight Kashmir issue abroad, he said it would be an effective and direct political channel in addition to the already in place efforts of diplomatic envoys.

To a question on India’s decision to replace the use of pellet shotguns with chilli filled PAVA shells, he said Indian decision was acknowledgement of the heinous crimes being committed against innocent Kashmiris that killed over 100 people and left around 570 with eye injuries.

About stranded Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, he said efforts were being made to resolve the issue as soon as possible. He rejected the reports that Pakistan government was not making efforts to resolve the issue.

To a question about a statement made by Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in which he had hinted former ambassador to US Hussain Haqqani and a close aide of former president Asif Zardari was lobbying against Pakistan, he said, “We are mindful of the elements working against the interests of Pakistan in the US, adding we engage with all the countries including US to protect the country’s national interests.”