ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Thursday that Pakistan exercises limited influence over the Afghan Taliban, Express News reported.
Addressing the weekly Foreign Office press briefing, Dr Faisal said that, “We have always stated that Pakistan exercises limited influence over the Taliban, and added that we cannot respond as to when the next round of negotiations between the US and Taliban will take place.
The spokesperson also termed the trilateral meeting between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan ‘successful,’ in which all three countries vowed to cooperate against terrorism.
“Pakistan has played its part in the Afghan peace process, and it has been lauded. All three countries had consultative meeting as well, in which it was decided that the parties would work against terrorism, and enjoy the benefits of the One Belt One Road,” he added.
Dr Faisal further stated that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi met the Afghan delegation and reassured the Afghan foreign minister of cooperation from Pakistan for peace in the war-torn country. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to work towards the Afghan issue through dialogue.
Dr Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan condemns the genocide of defenseless Kashmiris. “India is committing ceasefire violations at the Line of Control to divert the world’s attention from its atrocities.”
“Pakistan strongly condemns the genocide of defenseless Kashmiri people. They [India]cannot suppress the voice of freedom of the Kashmiri people by the use of force. International intuitions should be allowed to probe into the atrocities in the valley.”
On the subject of India’s claim to Jinnah House in Mumbai, the spokesperson said Pakistan has the claim to the building. “We will not let any Indian attempt to possess the house be successful,” he stressed.
Rubbishing reports about the Kartarpur corridor land being handed to India, he said there is no truth to the rumours. “Kartarpur Gurdwara will only be opened for the Sikh [community’s] religious rituals.”
The spokesperson said that the recently released Indian spy Hamid Nehal Ansari had entered Pakistan illegally. “He was punished for his crimes and then sent back after the completion of his sentence.”
“Every six months a list of prisoners is exchanged between Pakistan and India. After the completion of sentences, prisoners are released. Next list will be exchanged on January 1,” he added.
Speaking about Pakistanis who went on a hunger strike in a prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dr Faisal said that the Pakistani High Commissioner in Sri Lanka met with the prisoners and legal proceedings have been initiated to help the jailed Pakistanis.
