June 27, 2015
News
FO confirms arrest of Pak security analyst in Saudi Arabia
*Spokesman says Pakistani embassy has been working with Saudi authorities to get consular accessISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday confirmed the arrest of defence analyst Zaid Hamid in Saudi Arabia and said that the Pakistan Embassy in Riyadh is trying to get consular access to him, according to a statement emailed to a private news channel.
FO Spokesman Qazi Khalilullah during a press briefing on Friday confirmed the arrest of Zaid Hamid. “Our embassy in Riyadh has informed us that Zaid Hamid was arrested about two weeks ago. Since then, the embassy has been working with the local authorities to get consular access,” he said. He told that due to the diplomatic efforts, Hamid’s wife was able to talk to him two days ago, while she will also be able to see him on June 30.
Responding to a question regarding the recent statement of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and media leaks that China has blocked India’s attempts in a UN Sanctions Committee against Pakistan, Khalilullah said, “The statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India as well as the media reports on the matter are most unfortunate and misleading, and an attempt to politicise a purely technical issue at the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee.”
“Pakistan’s numerous efforts including past as well as ongoing extensive law enforcement operations are a major factor in weakening Al Qaeda in the region,” he said. He added that no other country could match this level of contribution, cooperation and sacrifice towards the objective of the Security Council sanctions. When asked about the recent BBC report on MQM, he said, “We have taken note of the media reports. Our concerned authorities are looking into the matter.”
The FO spokesman went on to say that interference in internal affairs of any country was a violation of the principles of the UN Charter. “It is also against the norms of interstate relations and conduct. I wish to underscore that peace, security and stability of our region depends on peace, security and stability of the countries comprising the region,” he asserted. He said that Pakistan fully understood and appreciated this. “We, therefore, are committed to a policy of good neighbourly relations. We hope India would partner with Pakistan in this mission,” he added.
In response to Afghanistan’s blames on Pakistan and naming of ISI for an attack on its parliament, he said, “We reject these allegations. Such allegations have been levelled against ISI and its officials in the past as well.” He added that Pakistan is a well-wisher of Afghanistan and “we are committed to our relations with Afghanistan as both sides have been interacting at the highest level”. “We have said in the past and I wish to reiterate that enemies of Afghanistan are enemies of Pakistan.” He added that one of the principles of Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan is that “we will not allow our soil to be used against each other”.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk