May 29 , 2015
News
No Islamic State footprintsfound in Pakistan, says FO
* Spokesman says only pamphlets and wall-chalking seen in some parts of country * Indian media’s campaign against CPEC not a good thing
By Ijaz KakakhelISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said no footprints of IS have been found in the country.
FO spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah told a weekly briefing that Pakistan’s security agencies are alert to take any action against terrorists, if required.
“The people of Pakistan have no ideological, ethnic or linguistic affinities with IS and its members,” he said. However, he added, some pamphlets and wall-chalking has been seen in some parts of the country. “There is no proof of presence of IS in Pakistan. Our security agencies are aware of the threat and will take appropriate measures if needed.” Qazi said that Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement on sponsoring terrorism is a matter of concern not only for Pakistan but the entire world. He said that Pakistan is the biggest victim of terrorism and has suffered more than any other country in the world. He said Pakistan has lost more than 50,000 lives and suffered economic losses to the tune of hundred billion dollars. He said Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He said Pakistan will take all appropriate steps required to protect its national interests. To a question, he said Pakistan is committed to have good relations with all neighbours including India.
To a question, the spokesman said Pakistan’s government is aware that Indian media is carrying out campaign against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is not a positive thing. He said the corridor is beneficial for the whole region and Pakistan and China are committed to execute the project. He said that Pakistan is well aware of India’s plans to sabotage the project and its campaign against the corridor.
Qazi said comprehensive investigations are going on into Axact scandal and that FIA team’s visit to the US embassy a day earlier was in the same context. He said Ministry of Interior has asked for cooperation of US authorities in this regard.
Answering a question about the arrest of Pakistani national Khalid Mehmmod in Dhaka over espionage charges, the spokesperson said the arrested man was working as an electrical engineer in a textile firm in Bangladesh. He said that Mehmood, who has 15 years experience in the field of textiles, was in Bangladesh on a valid visa since 2014.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Dhaka Mian Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi Qureshi had contacted the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and had sought counsellor access to the engineer. The Pakistani high commissioner was assured by the foreign minister of Bangladesh that counsellor access would be granted to Mehmood, he said.
Speaking about the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, Qazi said Pakistan and Afghanistan have not entered into any agreement regarding the extension of the refugees’ stay.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk