Sikh leader’s assassination exposes ‘India’s global extra-judicial killing network’

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Indian Kulbhushan Yadav, stating that there has been no change in his status.

During a weekly briefing on Wednesday, when asked about India’s involvement in an extrajudicial killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the spokesperson stated that such actions raise concerns and questions about India’s international reliability as a partner. She said that the assassination exposed India’s global extra-judicial killing network.

She pointed out that Pakistan has previously provided evidence of Indian intelligence agency, RAW’s involvement in various terror activities.

On the issue of Khalistan movement, the spokesperson emphasised that it does not pertain to Pakistan and therefore, the country has no comments to offer on this matter.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan continues to address concerns related to Indian state-sponsored terrorism and the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) at international forums. The country reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Regarding third-party mediation, she stated that Pakistan would welcome such mediation on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

Regarding a recent report by The Intercept on the cipher, she clarified that it was baseless and fabricated. She reiterated that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were conducted transparently and based on economic reforms.

Regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, she reiterated Pakistan’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and called for the acceptance of Azerbaijan’s legitimate claims.

Pakistan expressed concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Libya and is in contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide assistance, she said.

Lastly, the spokesperson mentioned that Pakistan and Russia maintain a strong and robust dialogue, and both countries continue to discuss matters of mutual interest.

Responding to questions, she emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to the principles of international law and the Geneva Convention.

She said that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar is currently in New York to attend the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, accompanied by Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Foreign Secretary Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi.

During his visit, she said Prime Minister Kakar held meetings with world leaders and participated in high-level dialogues on global development and the Sustainable Development Goals. His address to the UN General Assembly is scheduled for September 22, where he is expected to discuss regional and global issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the spokesperson said.

She said that caretaker Foreign Minister Jilani also had a busy agenda in New York, participating in multilateral engagements, including meetings for Middle East Peace and discussions within the OIC Committee for Palestine. He held bilateral meetings with various counterparts and highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and shared economic development.