Islamabad (TDI): The Foreign Office said Thursday that the response of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to the recent terrorist attack in Balochistan effectively corroborates Pakistan’s longstanding position on external interference in destabilising activities.
Speaking at the weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Ambassador Tahir Andrabi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, while asserting its firm defense of national interests and principled positions in international disputes.
Andrabi also recalled the 19th anniversary of the Samjhauta Express bombing, which claimed over 70 lives. He noted that individuals implicated in the attack, including Swami Aseemanand and Indian Colonel Shrikant Purohit, had admitted their involvement, yet all four accused remain at large. He criticised India for failing to bring them to justice and dismissed its recent statement on the matter as baseless.
The spokesperson highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar from February 23–24, at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders reviewed bilateral relations, underlined cooperation in trade, investment, and economic collaboration, and discussed regional and international developments, emphasizing dialogue and peaceful dispute resolution. The Emir accepted an invitation to visit Pakistan later this year.
Read More: US Voices Support for Pakistan After Deadly Balochistan Attacks
During the Qatar visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense, Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met Prime Minister Sharif to discuss defense and security cooperation, praising the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces and expressing interest in deepening ties.
Read More: UNSC Condemns Balochistan Attacks, Urges Accountability
Andrabi also noted that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend an extraordinary ministerial session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Executive Committee in Jeddah from February 26–28. The emergency session will address Israel’s recent measures in the occupied West Bank, including settlement expansion and attempts to impose sovereignty. Pakistan will present its perspective, and Dar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with OIC foreign ministers on the sidelines.
The FO reiterated Pakistan’s support for joint OIC statements condemning Israeli actions as violations of international law and threats to regional peace and stability.
