India's reaction to Balochistan terror attack 'effectively corroborates' Pakistan's stance: FO

Islamabad (Web Desk): The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday stated that the reaction from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), following the recent terrorist attack in Balochistan, has “effectively corroborated” Pakistan’s longstanding position regarding external involvement in destabilizing activities.

Speaking at the weekly media briefing, FO Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional stability, dialogue, and diplomacy, while emphasizing the defense of its national interests and principled stance on global issues.

Ambassador Andrabi also noted that this month marks the 19th anniversary of the Samjhauta Express attack, which resulted in the loss of more than 70 lives.

He recalled that Swami Aseemanand, one of those implicated in the case, has publicly admitted his role, while Indian Colonel Shrikant Purohit also admitted his involvement.

Despite this, all four accused remain at large, and India has yet to ensure justice, he added. Andrabi dismissed India’s recent statement as unfounded and lacking credibility.

The spokesperson highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent official visit to Qatar, which took place from February 23–24 at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

During the visit, both leaders reviewed the entire scope of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the progress in political cooperation. They emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and economic development.

The Emir reiterated Qatar’s willingness to elevate economic ties to a strategic level and accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to visit Pakistan later this year.

Ambassador Andrabi further mentioned that Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, also met PM Shehbaz to discuss defence and security cooperation, including ongoing joint initiatives between the armed forces of both nations.

Sheikh Saud lauded the professionalism of Pakistan’s military and expressed Qatar’s desire to strengthen defence relations.

The spokesperson added that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from February 26–28 to attend an extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee in Jeddah.

This emergency meeting is being held to address actions by Israeli authorities that Pakistan regards as illegal, including settlement expansion and attempts to assert sovereignty over the occupied West Bank.

During the session, Senator Dar will present Pakistan’s perspective on Israel’s efforts to designate parts of the occupied West Bank as “state land” and is expected to engage in bilateral discussions with foreign ministers from other OIC member states.

Ambassador Andrabi noted that Pakistan has joined statements by OIC members and other countries condemning Israel’s recent actions, describing them as violations of international law and threats to peace and stability in the region.