Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi says talks with Afghan Taliban regime commenced in Istanbul yesterday with the presence and participation of mediators.
Speaking at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad this afternoon, he said Pakistani delegation has handed over its evidence-based justified and logical demands to the mediators with singular aim to put an end to cross-border terrorism.
The Spokesperson said the mediators fully endorsed Pakistan stance on the basis of the evidence provided by Islamabad as well as by the tenets of international law and principles. He said the mediators are discussing Pakistan’s demands with Afghan Taliban delegation point by point.
Tahir Hussain Andrabi said any other information being circulated on the social media, particularly from Afghan handlers or Afghan accounts is either pure speculation or deliberate disinformation. He requested that such false information may please be disregarded.
Talking about disinformation flashed by the India, the Spokesperson said Pakistan categorically rejects the unfounded and misleading allegations that members of Hindu community were denied entry into Pakistan.
He said these claims are entirely baseless and represent yet another attempt by India to distort facts and politicize a matter that was purely administrative in nature.
Setting the record straight, Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Pakistan issued over 2,400 visas to the pilgrims from India, mostly Sikh brothers and sisters, to participate in the celebration marking the birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from 4th to 13th of this month. On Tuesday last, a total of 1,933 pilgrims successfully crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagha border. He said it is pertinent to note that approximately 300 pilgrims who were legitimate visa holders were denied entry by the Indian authorities from crossing over.
The Spokesperson underscored that the entire immigration process on the Pakistan side was smooth, orderly, and free of any hindrance. He said a few individuals were found to possess incomplete documents and were unable to provide satisfactory response to our immigration authorities. Consequently, they were requested to return to the Indian side in accordance with the shared procedures.
Tahir Hussain Andrabi said these individuals, upon completion of their documents, will be allowed entry into Pakistan. He said to suggest that these individuals were denied entry on religious grounds is completely inaccurate and mischievous.
The Spokesperson said Pakistan has always welcomed pilgrims of all faiths to visit sacred religious sites under a well-established and facilitative framework. He said any attempt to give this issue a communal or political colour is not only regrettable, but also reflects the prejudicial mindset that increasingly dominates Indian government and media narratives.
Replying to a question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan’s demand to the Afghan Taliban regime is that the infiltrators of Fitna-al-Khawarij should not be allowed to operate from the Afghan soil and kill innocent Pakistanis.
Replying to another question, he said the war mongering from India continues. The international community including the United Nations and the United States should take notice of these bellicose, belligerences and war mongering emanating from New Delhi. They should also urge India to behave like a decent, normal and civilized country, vested in peace and security in its neighbourhood, its region and beyond.
Answering yet another question about Indian war preparations and military exercises, Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan’s military preparedness is robust. The Armed Force, the political leadership and the people of Pakistan are fully geared to the defence of the country and protect sovereignty and territorial integrity in the wake of Indian aggression
Tahir Hussain Andrabi also expressed his profound sadness at the devastating earthquake in northern Afghanistan, claiming precious lives and causing widespread destructions.
Praying swift recovery of the injured and affected individuals, he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Afghanistan.
