Islamabad: Pakistan has categorically stated that there is no change in its policy on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and different insinuations about the statement of the Deputy Prime Minister's remarks on Jammu and Kashmir are baseless and uncalled for. At his weekly media briefing in Islamabad today, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shafqat Ali Khan, emphasized that Pakistan has consistently maintained that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir is to be determined in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
According to Radio Pakistan, addressing a question about Pakistan's relations with Iran, the Spokesperson mentioned that both countries are very close, neighboring nations and friends. Pakistan remains committed to peace and security in the region and is open to playing a positive role in reducing tensions and promoting diplomatic solutions to regional problems. The country will continue to engage in efforts to achieve this.
Regarding the Deputy Prime Minister's alleged statement on the Dr. Aafia Siddiqui issue, the Spokesperson categorically stated that there is no change in Pakistan's stance. The remarks made during the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister's talk at the Atlantic Council in the United States are being misconstrued. The PML-N government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has consistently pursued diplomatic and legal avenues to secure Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's release from U.S. custody and remains committed to this cause.
Shafqat Ali Khan further elaborated that Pakistan has prioritized Dr. Aafia Siddiqui's case since her conviction in 2010. The country has worked to uphold her rights and address humanitarian concerns through high-level diplomacy, clemency requests, consular access, and legal support. He expressed regret over attempts on social media to misrepresent the government's efforts in this regard.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson concluded by stating that the government will continue to tirelessly pursue the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui while upholding international law and bilateral cooperation.