Pakistan has called on the international community to step up efforts against terrorism, condemning Thursday’s shooting in Washington DC as an act of terrorism. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi offered his condolences to the affected families.
At the Foreign Ministry’s weekly press conference, Andrabi recounted and condemned the killing of Chinese nationals in Tajikistan, offering condolences to the two countries. Three Chinese workers in Tajikistan were killed in an attack launched from Afghanistan near the border, Tajik authorities announced Thursday.
He said reports suggest an Afghan national may have been involved in the incident in the United States. “Pakistan has faced numerous terrorist incidents over the past two decades, many of which are linked to Afghanistan.” The spokesperson said the Washington incident represents a growing case of terrorism, calling on Afghanistan to prevent terrorism originating from its territory.
Andrabi also criticized remarks regarding Sindh made by the Indian defense minister, calling them provocative. “Such statements are based on misconceptions. Pakistan supports peaceful resolution of disputes and will not compromise on its defense.”
Read: Tajikistan denounces deadly drone attack from Afghanistan
A United Nations report was mentioned, which highlights human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The report states that currently 2,800 Kashmiris are detained in India. Pakistan urged India to release the prisoners.
“Pakistan strongly opposes the installation of a temple flag at the Babri Mosque site. Pakistan expresses concerns over hate-motivated actions against minorities in India, particularly Muslims.”
The spokesperson also condemned Israel’s continued violations of the ceasefire in Palestine, particularly in Gaza. “Israeli attacks have killed several civilians, including women and children.”
Learn more: Three Chinese citizens killed in clash on Tajik-Afghan border
The spokesperson also confirmed Pakistan’s membership in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
He spoke about Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to Bahrain, during which productive meetings were held with Bahraini leaders. Pakistan and Bahrain agreed to strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
Speaking about the two-day visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Andrabi said the two countries held important meetings and exchanged views on regional and international issues. Both sides pledged to work together at global forums.
