Islamabad:
The spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Office, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, underlined the growing diplomatic profile of Pakistan on Friday during international and regional forums, in particular his assumption of the United Nations Security Nations (UNSC), participation in the 17th ECO summit and continuous efforts for humanitarian and legal responsibility in the region.
In a complete weekly briefing, the spokesman stressed: “Pakistan assumes the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July with a deep feeling of responsibility and goal. Our approach will remain anchored in the principles of the United Nations, multilateralism and international law.”
The spokesman announced that Pakistan would convene two high-level signature events, including an open debate on “the promotion of international peace and security by multilateralism and the peaceful dispute resolution” on July 22, and a briefing on “United Nations cooperation with the Islamic Cooperation Organization (OIC)” on July 24.
In addition, Pakistan will chair the open quarterly debate on the question of Palestine on July 23, all chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, he added.
“These meetings reflect Pakistan’s intention to serve as a bridge between the Council and the wider members of the UN,” added the spokesperson.
Commenting on any trilateral cooperation with China and Bangladesh, the spokesman described it as a routine and focused on regional development, while rejecting the reports of a Saarc alternative as speculative.
The visit of Pakistani military officials in Bangladesh, including the Rohingyas regions, he said, was characterized as part of continuous cooperation without change in Pakistan policy on Rohingyas Muslims.
He confirmed that Pakistan did not form any military alliance with other regional countries, including China, Russia, Türkiye, Bangladesh or Afghanistan.
The spokesman rejected speculation about Pakistan joining the Abraham agreements, reaffirming his unwavering support for a solution to two states and a complete Palestinian state.
He said that Pakistan expressed its disappointment that the SAARC summit was blocked by a member. Islamabad reaffirmed his commitment to Saarc and his preparation to welcome the next summit, he added.
The spokesperson also hosted an additional sentence given on June 27 by the arbitration court in the hydroelectric dispute of Kishenganga and Ratle between Pakistan and India.
“The court has reaffirmed its jurisdiction to continue the procedure despite India’s unilateral attempt to hold the Ans-suspended Water Treaty. This price justifies the legal and moral position of Pakistan,” he said. “We call on India to resume normal functioning under the treaty and fully honor its international obligations.”
He said Pakistan rejected India’s refusal of the additional sentence by the Permanent Arbitration Court (PCA), calling the “illegal” New Delhi position and lacking in legitimacy under international law.
The spokesman stressed that the Industry Water Treaty remains operational and that the price reaffirms the position of Pakistan. On the question of whether a formal communication was made to India, the ambassador Khan noted that technical questions were dealt with by the Ministry of Water.
