Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s role in supporting US counter-terrorism efforts and promoting regional stability transcends simplistic labels, Foreign Office spokesman Shafqat Ali Khan said on Thursday.
“It is a fact that Pakistan is not part of any treaty alliance with the US. It is also a fact that Pakistan has been designated a major non-Nato ally since 2004. But it is also a fact that Islamabad’s contribution to maintaining peace and security in the region and the war against terrorism is far too great to be encapsulated in technical and legal labels,” Khan said.
Khan’s remarks came in response to a statement by White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby, who, at a Washington briefing, highlighted the absence of a formal defence pact between the two nations.
Despite this, Kirby acknowledged the decades-long cooperation between Pakistan and US, especially in counter-terrorism efforts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
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The FO has consistently underlined the country’s role as a major player in combating global terrorism, often seeking to redefine its relations with Washington beyond transactional terms.
In a separate development, Khan confirmed that Ambassador to US Rizwan Sheikh would represent Pakistan at the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, as has been customary in the past.
Media reports have indicated that Trump has invited a limited number of foreign leaders to attend the ceremony, deviating from longstanding protocol.
Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is likely to represent India at the inauguration, adding another layer of diplomatic interest to the high-profile ceremony.
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Responding to a query about the hiring of lobbyist by the Pakistani government in Washington, Khan called it a standard global practice.
“I don’t have the specifics right now, but I can just make a broad point about it. About hiring of lobbyists: it’s a normal practice in the United States. There is nothing unusual about it. It is a common practice. Most nations hire lobbyists. This is a routine activity,” he said.
Pakistan-Tajikistan Ties Based on UN Charter
The spokesman dismissed speculation that Pakistan is collaborating with Tajikistan to destabilise Taliban-led Afghanistan.
“Any speculation regarding Pakistan and Tajikistan working to destabilise or something I would reject. And our ties, like with all friendly nations are based on the principles of UN Charter,” the Foreign Office spokesman said while responding to a query.
