We have irrefutable evidence of Indian-sponsored terrorism in Pakistan: FM Jilani

Caretaker Foreign Minister (FM) Jalil Abbas Jilani on Thursday accused India of interfering in the internal affairs of Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In an informal chat with beat reporters in Islamabad, Jeelani said, “We have irrefutable proofs of India’s involvement in our internal affairs.”

“India’s hostile attitude is our primary concern,” he pointed out.

Jilani said that ties with the neighbouring country could not be normalized unless both the countries resolved their core issues. “India and Pakistan have thrice fought wars on Kashmir, and the dispute is a major stumbling block in the way of progress on other issues,” he said, and added, “We will talk to India on the basis of our principled stand. The solution to Kashmir issue lies in implementation on the UN resolutions.”

The foreign minister also accused India of occupying Siachen. “We want to resolve the issue in the light of the Benazir-Rajiv agreement,” he told reporters.

Jilani did not forget to mention the water dispute between India and Pakistan either. “India has blatantly violated the Indus Waters treaty,” he claimed.

India, he went on to say, was also an obstacle in holding the SAARC conferences.

The FM expressed the hope that the Indian government would provide foolproof security to Pakistan cricket team during its stay in the country in connection with the World Cup.

He also dispelled the impression that Pakistan was part of power politics.

Jilani informed that both he and the US under-secretary of state talked about holding general elections in the country on time. “Presently our relations with the USA are quite strong,” he said, adding, “In our talks, we both agreed to further strengthen these ties and enhance cooperation.”

The foreign minister disclosed that the annual trade volume between Pakistan and the USA had reached $20 billion. “America has not asked us to stop doing trade with either China or Russia,” he said categorically, and stressed the need for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine issue.

When asked about the US cipher, he refused to make any comment, saying the matter was sub judice. “We neither interfere in other countries’ matters nor we like any country to interfere in ours,” he said.

Responding to a question about an allegation levelled by a political party that Pakistan was pressured by foreign powers, he said there was no such thing.

He said that the interim setup had the capability to attract major investment despite its stay in office for a limited time period.

The FM informed that the Taliban government in Afghanistan had arrested some people in connection with incidents of terrorism in Pakistan, and informed us accordingly.

He further said that 1,000 to 2,000 containers passed through Pak-Afghan border daily.

He told reporters that the caretaker government would go ahead with its efforts for the completion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline project. “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has started giving results as evident by the country’s progress,”  

He made it clear that it was the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) and not caretaker government’s job to hold general elections.

He said that elections would be held within the time period given in the constitution. “Our job is to ensure free and fair elections,” he said.

The FM further said that the caretaker setup was basically apolitical, and it would not interfere in politics. “Our mandate is limited,” he said, adding, “I have no doubt in my mind that we have come for a limited time period.”

‘Longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping’

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbass Jilani says Pakistan has a longstanding commitment to the UN peacekeeping.

Speaking at the UN Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting in Islamabad today, he said Pakistan being a leading troop contributor, has a significant stake in its success. 

He said our participation in the UN peacekeeping spanning over six decades is a tangible manifestation of our contribution to the maintenance of peace and security in line with the UN charter.

Jalil Abbass Jilani said Pakistan is proudly contributing over four thousand troops to various ongoing peacekeeping missions. He said we must also turn our attention to the realm of peace building. He emphasized for establishment of an institute for peace building saying it could serve as a Center for Excellence for providing specialized training, research and expertise in the complex field of peace building.

FM @JalilJilani address at the UN Peacekeeping Prep Meet, 31 August 2023 🟢 #LIVE now https://t.co/q9itaHJBPa

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 31, 2023

The Foreign Minister underscored the need to guarantee a safe and secure environment for the UN peacekeepers who tirelessly, safeguard peace around the globe.

He said it is crucial that capacity building takes center stage in order to ensure that peacekeepers are prepared for complex challenges confronting them. He said legal framework and adequate accountability mechanisms are paramount for the safety of peacekeepers. We should stand firm in holding accountable the perpetrators, individuals and groups that harm or threaten the UN peacekeepers.

The Foreign Minister said medical care for the peace keepers is also essential, stressing they deserve the best care including mental health support, standardized training,  first aid provisions and enhanced medical facilities.

Jalil Abbass Jilani whilst highlighting the significance of UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, said it holds a distinctive place in peacekeeping history as one of the earliest initiatives to monitor and investigate ceasefire violations in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

He pointed out that the UNMOGIP personnel encounter unprecedented adversities due to noncooperation of one party. He stressed that we must proactively address the safety and security gaps as identified in the recent report on UNMOGIP by the UN office of international oversight services.

 

 

Reporter: Muhsinul Mulk