Jan 14 , 2016
News
Indo-Pak talks delayed not cancelled: FO
FO spokesperson terms allegations of Afghan envoy about IS presence in Pakistan as ‘baseless’
Online
ISLAMABAD - Foreign Office on Thursday said that secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India delayed for some days but not cancelled as Islamabad and New Delhi are considering new dates.
Addressing a weekly briefing here in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said that Pakistan was extending its support to India for eradication of terrorism in the country. However, he expressed lack of knowledge about apprehension of chief of banned Jaish-e-Muhammad Maulana Masood Azhar.
Earlier on Wednesday, a statement issued by the PM House said that Maulana Masood Azhar, his brother Rauf and brother-in-law were arrested. The spokesperson said that he cannot comment further on the statement of the PM House.
Expressing lack of knowledge about meeting of National Security Advisers in Paris, he said that Pakistan was ready to support all countries including India. Commenting over Saudi-Iran tensions, he said that he carry no information about sending delegation to Saudi Arabia or Iran. He said that Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral ties with Iran.
Replying to a question about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) routes, he said that authorities were in contact with Chinese officials.
The FO spokesperson rejected the allegations of Afghan ambassador about presence of the Islamic State in Pakistan, terming it ‘baseless’. The Afghan ambassador to Pakistan addressing a seminar had said that 70 per cent terrorist fled to Afghanistan and joined IS after operation of security forces in Orakzai Agency and Mohmand Agency areas of Pakistan. The spokesperson also condemned blasts in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia.
India’s External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that India welcomes the move and will completely support Pakistan’s investigation team. He said that bilateral dialogues at secretary-level were delayed with consultation of the two stakeholders.
He said that new dates of dialogue would be announced soon. He said he hasn’t knowledge about apprehension of Jaish- Muhammad chief Maulana Masood Azhar.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk