ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized that foreign nationals participating in political protests in Pakistan is strictly illegal, urging all foreigners to refrain from engaging in the country’s political affairs.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Baloch confirmed the arrest of Afghan nationals during recent protests in the capital. She noted that the Interior Ministry would provide detailed information regarding the detained individuals. Reiterating the legal stance, she stated, “Participation of foreign nationals in political protests in Pakistan is completely illegal.”
Addressing other matters, Baloch referred queries about journalist Matiullah Jan’s arrest to the Ministry of Information, which she said could comment on the circumstances surrounding his detention.
She also clarified that there are no ongoing talks between the Pakistani government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), asserting that negotiations with the TTP would be an affront to families affected by terrorism.
On foreign relations, Baloch underlined Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining positive ties with all nations, noting that strengthening relations with one country does not imply a deterioration of ties with another. She refrained from commenting on statements by Israeli leadership concerning Iran’s nuclear program, deeming it inappropriate.
Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s strong condemnation of Israeli aggression in Palestine and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions, including alleged atrocities and genocide. She reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and called for an unconditional ceasefire in Palestine.
On Kashmir, the spokesperson condemned ongoing human rights violations by India in the occupied region and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people.
