Islamabad, 25 August 2023: Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch held a press briefing on Friday at the Foreign Office. Foreign Office highlighted that Pakistan has not made any formal request to join the BRICS group of nations.
Responding to the queries of media persons in Islamabad today about the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan will examine the latest developments and decide about its future engagement with the Group.
The announcement follows the BRICS decision to extend invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates for membership. Over 40 nations are keen on joining BRICS, according to South African officials, with 22 having submitted formal admission requests.
In her press conference, Mumtaz Baloch stated that Pakistan fervently backs multilateralism and, as a participant in numerous multilateral entities, consistently contributes significantly to global peace and progress.
In response to an inquiry, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office remarked that Pakistan has consistently conveyed its apprehensions to Afghan authorities regarding the terrorist risk originating from Afghanistan.
She emphasized that Afghan officials must uphold their pledges of preventing their territory from being used for terrorism directed at other nations, including Pakistan.
Responding to a question, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated that Pakistan’s stance on the Taiwan matter remains steady and based on principles.
She affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the one-China policy, recognizing Chinese Taipei as an integral component of the People’s Republic of China.
Also Read: BRICS opens doors to new members
Addressing the recent breach of ceasefire by India along the Line of Control, the spokesperson expressed strong disapproval, urging India to refrain from such activities and ensure the preservation of the ceasefire agreement.
The spokesperson called upon India to halt its suppression of the Kashmiri population, enabling them to freely exercise their right to self-determination in alignment with the resolutions of the UN Security Council.
