Not involved in Bangladesh events in anyway: Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan categorically rejected the media reports on Friday that it was, in anyway, involved in the recent events in Bangladesh, saying it has always expressed strong support for the people of Bangladesh.

This week India lost a strong ally in former prime minister Hasina Sheikh, who fled Dhaka, it was now the Indian media which was awash with reports constantly trying to drag Pakistan into the domestic politics of Bangladesh.

“Pakistan rejects all such statements. Such statements depict India’s disturbing obsession with Pakistan.

“Indian political leaders and their media have a habit of blaming Pakistan for their failures in domestic and foreign policy.

“Pakistan has expressed its strong support for the people of Bangladesh and solidarity with them as they continue to work towards a harmonious future,” spokeswoman at the Foreign Office told the weekly briefing.

She pointed to Friday’s felicitations, extended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, to Professor Muhammad Yunus on his swearing in as the chief advisor of the government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh. “The prime minister has wished him great success in guiding Bangladesh towards a harmonious and prosperous future, and expressed the desire to work with Mr Yunus to deepen cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh in the days ahead,” the spokesperson said.

To a query about the future of these bilateral relations, the spokeswoman said Pakistan and Bangladesh have positive relations, and these relations have continued to grow over the last several years. “With regard to the recent developments in Bangladesh, we have issued a statement. The government and the people of Pakistan have expressed their support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.

“We sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normality. We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future,” she added.

About Pakistani student in Bangladesh, she said Pakistan’s High Commission in Dhaka had been in contact with all Pakistani nationals, including Pakistani students.

“According to our information, about 100 students still remain in Bangladesh. Our High Commission remains in contact with the students. It is our assessment that the situation of security is improving, and we will continue to ensure the safety of our students, who remain in Bangladesh,” she said.

Commenting on the recent India-US Defence Cooperation Bill that was introduced in the US Congress and which mostly targeted China and Pakistan, the spokeswoman responded that Pakistan had noted those reports including some unwarranted references to Pakistan. “We have conveyed our concerns to the US side. Establishment of defence relations is the sovereign decision of countries. However, in doing so, friendly countries should not be targeted. We have been urging our international partners to take a holistic view of the issues of peace and security in South Asia. As we have said before, Pakistan values its close relationship with the United States,” she pointed out.

In this regard, Pakistan believes in constructive engagement and dialogue based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and understanding and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs. “We also believe that deliberations of legislative bodies should contribute to promoting positive dynamics in bilateral ties that should be based on mutual respect and understanding. We hope that the US Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-US ties and focus on avenues of mutual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries,” the spokeswoman added. Responding to a report by ‘Jerusalem Post’, retweeted by Tehran Times, stating that Pakistan had committed to sending Shaheen-III missiles to Iran following assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the spokeswoman categorically rejected it. “Such reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the malicious agenda behind them. This is a critical time in the Middle East. We, therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news,” she said. To several queries on the Pakistani national Asif Merchant, who has been detained by the US authorities on allegations of trying to assassinate US politicians, the spokeswoman said Pakistan was awaiting details of the case from the US authorities.

“Secondly, we cannot legally determine any individual’s nationality unless we receive the relevant information. The particular question that you have asked does not pertain to the Foreign Office, but with the Ministry of Interior and FIA and I would advise you to contact the authorities concerned for this question,” she said.

To a query on whether Pakistan had any direct talks or communication with Iran or with Washington over de-escalation and preventing the risk of any retaliatory strikes on Israel by Iran, the spokeswoman said Pakistan would support all efforts to ensure peace in the Middle East. “With regard to the recent developments in the Middle East, including following the assassination of the head of the political bureau of Hamas, the foreign minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran held a telephonic conversation with the deputy prime minister of Pakistan, and he conveyed the concerns of Iran on the recent development. Later on, the issue has been discussed extensively at the OIC as well. Pakistan has strongly condemned the assassination. We strongly condemn the Israeli adventurism in the region. Since October last year, we have repeatedly called for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and lifting of siege in Gaza, because we believe that Israeli actions against the Palestinians and against its neighbours are creating instability in the region. We also believe that a war in the Middle East must be avoided,” she explained.