Pakistan ready to engage with new US administration: FO
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office states that Pakistan is prepared to engage with the new US administration to advance these longstanding ties.
During his weekly news conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan noted that Pakistan is dedicated to maintaining a strong and durable relationship with the US, grounded in the principle of non-interference in internal matters.
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Welcoming President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the spokesperson underscored the importance of the US-Pakistan relationship, which spans numerous areas. He expressed optimism about continuing the positive path of these relations.
In response to a query, the spokesperson mentioned that an agreement with the US is in place, under which the US is committed to resettling a significant number of Afghan refugees from Pakistan by September this year. He confirmed that this arrangement remains in effect.
Expressing deep concern over the safe havens of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan continues to urge Afghan authorities to address these issues, with the goal of realizing the full potential of bilateral relations.
On the Kashmir dispute, Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s clear stance on the longstanding issue. He pointed out that the world is aware of the oppression taking place in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that Pakistan will support any efforts aimed at resolving the dispute.
In response to another question, the Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fully implementing the Indus Water Treaty, including its dispute resolution mechanism. He expressed hope that India would also honor the treaty in good faith and in its entirety.
