Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday dismissed recent media reports suggesting that China was pushing Islamabad to collaborate on joint security measures within Pakistan.
At her weekly press briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed recent reports suggesting a joint security framework between Pakistan and China to protect Chinese nationals in Pakistan.
She labeled the claims as "speculation" and accused them of being part of a broader agenda.
Baloch stated that the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and China is built on mutual respect and trust, and both countries have the means to safeguard their bilateral relations from external disruptions.
She urged the media to critically evaluate the intentions behind such stories.
The reports, which have gained international attention, alleged that China is looking to tighten security protocols for its citizens and investments in Pakistan, particularly in relation to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
However, thew FO spokesperson clarified that no such arrangement has been agreed upon, reaffirming the strength and stability of the partnership between the two nations.
On a different front, Baloch reiterated Pakistan's concerns over India's involvement in supporting terrorist groups operating within Pakistan.
She pointed to the case of an Indian naval officer arrested in Pakistan, who was allegedly involved in planning espionage and terrorist activities in Balochistan.
This, she said, is part of a larger pattern of India's support for militant groups targeting Pakistan.
The FO spokesperson also addressed the situation of Kashmiri political prisoners, many of whom remain incarcerated outside Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). She highlighted the dire conditions they face, including overcrowded prisons, lack of proper medical care, and detention without trial.
“Pakistan continues to stand with Kashmiris and will persist in offering political, diplomatic, and moral support in their fight for justice,” the FO spokesperson said.
She called on India to release all political prisoners and end the baseless charges against them, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
Turning to Afghanistan, Baloch reiterated Pakistan's demand for concrete action from the Afghan government against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, particularly those targeting Pakistan.
She cautioned that Pakistan's patience with the ongoing threat posed by these groups is running thin and urged the Afghan authorities to take Pakistan’s concerns seriously.
The FO spokesperson also mentioned that not only Pakistan but also regional forums like the Moscow Format and the Neighbouring Countries Format had similarly urged Afghan authorities to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terror activities targeting neighbouring states, particularly Pakistan.
