Pakistan repatriating 22 boat tragedy survivors from Morocco: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior have taken steps to repatriate 22 Pakistanis who survived a boat tragedy at the Morocco port, while some of them have already been brought back.

In his weekly briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said that “Pakistan strongly condemns the attack on the Saudi hospital in Sudan and expresses full support for Saudi Arabia.”

He also said that Pakistan condemns Israeli aggression in the West Bank and strongly condemns Israel’s attack on the Palestinian refugee camp, which has resulted in the martyrdom of two children, according to Radio Pakistan.

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The spokesperson said that a bilateral political consultative meeting between Pakistan and Serbia would take place on Friday, while another such meeting between Pakistan and Doha will be held on February 5 in Doha, where Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also holds the portfolio of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lead the Pakistani delegation.

Referring to Pakistan-China relations, the spokesperson rejected rumours and stated that the relationship between the two countries is stronger than ever.

He further said that Pakistan will host the Peace 25 exercises from February 7 to February 11, with 60 countries participating with naval fleets and warships.

He said that Pakistan is reviewing the US President’s executive order concerning the suspension of aid and is in contact with the United States regarding the deportation of illegal Pakistani immigrants.

In response to queries, Khan termed members of the visiting US delegation “good businessmen”. He clarified that the visit was not organised through the FO, and businessmen were touring Pakistan as a “routine” matter.

Regarding the modern US weapons left behind in Afghanistan, he stated that these weapons are being used by terrorist groups against Pakistan, and Pakistan has sufficient evidence in this regard.

Shafqat Ali Khan condemned the ongoing atrocities in Indian-occupied Kashmir and emphasised that the Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

He further said that there are 770 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails, and the Pakistani government was making efforts for their repatriation.

He noted that 80,000 Afghan nationals have been resettled abroad from Pakistan, while 40,000 Afghan nationals were still present in Pakistan.

“Pakistan hopes that the US will fulfil its commitment regarding their resettlement. Ongoing discussions are taking place with Afghanistan, and there are close contacts with the special envoys from China and Russia on this matter. Pakistan fully supports global laws and values related to women’s education,” he said.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan has described the plan to transfer the people of Gaza as unfortunate and unjust, as this move could complicate their situation further.