Pakistan denies supplying ballistic missiles to Iran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has dismissed reports that claimed that it was planned to provid Shaheen-III medium-range ballistic missiles to Iran.

During a weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified that the reports regarding the transfer of Shaheen-3 missiles to Iran are false.

Jerusalem Post earlier quoting several Arab sources claimed that “if the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, Pakistan plans to supply Iran with Shaheen-III medium-range ballistic missiles.”

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The spokesperson said that Pakistan would support all efforts to prevent war escalating in the Middle East. She did not comment on whether Pakistan had been in contact with Washington over the issue.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar had spoken by phone with Iran’s foreign minister in recent days, Baloch said, and had attended an emergency meeting convened by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting in Saudi Arabia this week where he condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza strip and called for a ceasefire and better access for humanitarian aid.

“He also called for preventing further escalation of violence and tensions,” she added.

Baloch condemned the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and called for the lifting of the siege on Gaza.

She also mentioned that earlier this week, Pakistan observed Kashmir Solidarity Day and reiterated that Pakistan rejects India’s allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in militancy in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

When asked about the arrest of a Pakistani citizen in the United States, the spokesperson said that they had seen the American statement on the matter. “The Foreign Office has contacted the US administration regarding Asif Merchant and is awaiting further details from them,” she said.

Baloch further stated that there are several channels of communication between Pakistan and the United States on counter-terrorism and security issues. She expressed hope that the US Congress would play a role in improving Pakistan-US relations.

Regarding the situation in Bangladesh, Baloch highlighted the positive relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, noting that the Pakistani government and people stand in solidarity with the Bangladeshi people.

She also said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Dr Muhammad Younis on his appointmrtn as chief adviser of the interim set up.

The spokesperson rejected all reports of Pakistan’s involvement in recent events in Bangladesh, stating that such reports reflect India’s persistent obsession with Pakistan. She said that the Pakistani High Commission was in touch with Pakistani students in Bangladesh.

Lastly, the spokesperson clarified that there is no UAE visa ban for Pakistani nationals and the Pakistani High Commission is closely monitoring developments in the UK.