The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has responded to India’s recent accusations of Pakistan not creating a conducive environment for talks by putting the onus on India to create an environment for dialogue and peace in the region. In a press briefing, the FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized the importance of dialogue between the two countries in an environment free of coercion and belligerence. Pakistan believes in maintaining a peaceful neighborhood and wants to establish peace with all its neighbors based on mutual respect and in accordance with international law.
PM Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that Pakistan is ready to engage in talks with India, provided that India is serious and war is no longer an option, were met by a response from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian spokesperson stated that an environment free of terror and hostility is necessary to resume talks.
Ms. Baloch also expressed concern regarding the treatment of minorities in India, highlighting the alarming increase in the targeting of minorities and recent incidents of communal and ethnic violence. She mentioned the burning of a mosque in Gurugram, resulting in the killing of the Imam. Violent acts by Hindu supremacist organizations against Indian Muslims, such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, were also highlighted as matters of serious concern.
Regarding Pakistan’s cricket team’s visit to India, the FO spokesperson stressed the expectation that India, as the host, would provide full and complete security to the team. Concerns about the security of the Pakistani Cricket Team have been conveyed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Indian authorities. Ms. Baloch also pointed out the contrasting approaches of Pakistan and India when it comes to sports, mentioning India’s refusal to send its cricket team to Pakistan for the Asia Cup and denying visas for Pakistan’s Blind Cricket Team.
In response to the involvement of Afghan nationals in the Zhob attack, the FO spokesperson stated that Pakistan has been in contact with the Afghanistan embassy and authorities. It has been reiterated that Afghan soil should not be used to promote terrorism against Pakistan.
Additionally, in her final briefing before Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s tenure as foreign minister expires, Ms. Baloch revealed that he had undertaken 36 visits during his 15-month tenure, including participation in multilateral conferences and other UN-related activities. The focus has been on rebuilding ties, restoring trust, expanding diplomatic engagement, and reasserting Pakistan’s presence in the global discourse.
Overall, the Pakistani Foreign Office urges India to foster an environment of peace and dialogue, free from coercion and belligerence. They emphasize the importance of mutual respect and adherence to international law in establishing peaceful relations with all neighbors.