FO Spokesperson Affirms Islamabad’s Recognition of Neighboring Country’s Sovereignty
Islamabad: Pakistan categorically rejected reports of annexing the Wakhan Corridor on Thursday, reaffirming it as part of Afghanistan. However, it renewed calls for the Afghan government to act against terrorist groups finding safe havens across the border.
During his maiden weekly press briefing, newly appointed Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated, “I have seen this baseless speculation. Wakhan is Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighboring country, and we recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Pakistan has no intentions of encroaching on its neighbors. These claims are speculative and completely incorrect.”
He emphasized that both Pakistan and Afghanistan value their relationship and aim to maintain good ties, but the primary concern remains the sanctuaries for terrorists on Afghan soil.
He further mentioned that both nations are in continuous dialogue, engaging through multi-layered discussions to address mutual concerns.
The spokesperson also expressed grave concern over the growing racist and Islamophobic narratives in the UK, conflating the actions of a few individuals with the entire 1.7 million British-Pakistani diaspora.
Rejecting the “baseless” accusations made by India’s Defense Minister and Army Chief on January 13 and 14, he reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final resolution must align with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Referring to last week’s international conference on girls’ education in Islamabad, attended by dignitaries including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha, he highlighted the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration.
The declaration affirmed girls’ education as a fundamental right aligned with Islamic teachings, national priorities, and global advancements, emphasizing women’s empowerment and the establishment of stable, peaceful communities.
