News stories about pressurizing ex-ambassador to United States Dr. Asad Majeed Khan are baseless: FO Spokesperson
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad says the categorical statements from the National Security Committee (NSC) have ruled out any foreign conspiracy behind the change of government in Pakistan and all speculations in this regard should be put to rest. He said that the news stories about pressurizing former ambassador to the United States Dr. Asad Majeed Khan are baseless. He said that the news stories about hiding the diplomatic cable for many days are also baseless. He said that the news stories for hiding the diplomatic cable are baseless, adding that the telegram reached Foreign Office and it was handed over to the concerned officials according to law. FO Spokesperson said that Dr. Asad Majeed Khan himself briefed the NSC and no inquiry was conducted from him. He said that Asad Majeed Khan will assume responsibilities as new ambassador of Pakistan to Belgium, adding that Asad Majeed Khan has reached Brussels for new assignment.
He was responding to various questions during his news briefing in Islamabad on Monday. He said two consecutive meetings of the NSC have concluded that there was no foreign conspiracy and their conclusion was based on assessments from all stakeholders. He said we should now get back to conducting diplomacy and concentrating on our important relations in the best interest of Pakistan.
He said our core focus should be improving our relationships with our partners and the United States is one of the key partner of Pakistan and both sides are keen to build on the long standing relations and as well as further strengthen and diversify our relations.
Answering another question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan has the full capability to defend its interests as well as promote its stability and security. He, however, said irresponsible comments should be avoided as there is an element of trust and confidentiality, which is central to conducting effective diplomacy for a country and such episodes carry the potential of undermining our diplomacy and complicating our external relations.
Replying to a question, Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan and Afghanistan are brotherly countries and regard terrorism as a serious threat for peace and development. He emphasized on cooperation between the two countries to curb cross-border terrorism in an effective manner.
He said Islamabad looks forward to continue close engagements with Kabul for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan and to create an environment conducive to regional stability, economic cooperation and connectivity.
Since 5 August 2019, the international community had witnessed many such desperate attempts by India to divert attention from the actual underlying issues in IIOJK including Indian state-sponsored terrorism as well as widespread violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, he added.
“It is not surprising, therefore, that while the Indian Prime Minister was on his brief visit to Jammu under a heavy security cover, the people of IIOJK were observing a ‘black day’ as an expression of their rejection of India’s mischief and illegal policies.
You have also seen protests and demonstrations in AJK and other places.”
He said Pakistan had also strongly condemned the laying of foundation stones for the construction of the Rattle and Kwar Hydroelectric Projects (HEP) on Chenab River in IIOJK, and had called upon India to fulfill its obligations under the Indus Waters Treaty and refrain from taking any such steps which were detrimental to the IWT framework.
“Pakistan salutes the Kashmiris as they remain undaunted in their determination to stand against India’s oppressive occupation.
Extra-judicial killings continue unabated in IIOJK. During last week, in staged cordon and search operations, seven (7) more Kashmiri youth embraced martyrdom in Shopian and Baramullah districts.”
“Regretfully, three more innocent Kashmiri lives have been taken in Pulwama. For the international community, it is extremely alarming that more than 580 innocent Kashmiris have been martyred by the Indian occupation forces since August 2019.”
This streak of armed Hindutva majoritarianism was also spreading fast inside India, particularly during the Holy month of Ramazan, he told.
Talking about the issue of cypher by Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Asad Majeed, he said it was important to recall that the matter had been discussed in two meetings of the National Security Committee (NSC).
The communiqués of the two meetings complement each other.
“Let me recall that the 22nd April NSC Meeting discussed the telegram received from Pakistan Embassy in Washington. Pakistan’s former Ambassador to the US briefed the committee on the context and content of his telegram. The NSC after examining the contents of the communication, reaffirmed the decisions of the last NSC meeting.”
“The NSC was again informed by the premier security agencies that they have found no evidence of any conspiracy. Therefore, the NSC after reviewing the contents of the Communication, the assessments received, and the conclusions presented by the security agencies, concluded that there has been no foreign conspiracy.”
“That is the most authentic reference to the entire matter, from the relevant and competent governmental forum. I have nothing to add to that. The communiqués of the NSC meetings speak for themselves.”