Additionally, Zahra Baloch condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist settlers, calling it a desecration of a sacred site and a violation of the Geneva Convention
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office has issued a call for foreign governments to refrain from intervening in Pakistan’s internal affairs, emphasizing the importance of resolving domestic issues independently without external interference. During a weekly briefing, spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch highlighted the need for external entities to avoid commenting on Pakistan’s internal matters.
Addressing various international issues, Baloch strongly rejected allegations linking Pakistan to the ouster of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid. She asserted that Pakistan respects the sovereignty of the Bangladeshi people and their ability to manage their own affairs without external meddling. On the escalating tensions in the Middle East, Baloch affirmed Iran’s right to self-defense and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. She criticized the ongoing violence, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties, and accused Israel of committing genocide.
Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, although she noted that Pakistan is not involved in the negotiations. Additionally, she condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist settlers, calling it a desecration of a sacred site and a violation of the Geneva Convention. She urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to take immediate action to protect holy sites in Jerusalem and uphold the rights of Palestinian worshippers.
Regarding Kashmir, Baloch condemned the recent killing of four Kashmiri youths by Indian forces in Doda district, describing it as another example of India’s oppressive measures against the Kashmiri people. She called for decisive international action to hold India accountable for human rights violations in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and to safeguard Kashmiri rights and freedoms.
Baloch also highlighted a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Iraqi government concerning pilgrim arrangements. On the topic of the monkeypox outbreak, she referred to the World Health Organization’s advisory, indicating that Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health would provide an official response in due course.
Addressing the recent Afghan firing at the Torkham border, Baloch expressed regret over the incident and stated that Pakistani forces responded appropriately in self-defense. She urged Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and avoid unprovoked actions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to defending its territory while expressing a willingness to resolve misunderstandings through diplomatic channels.
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