ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan has stated that Pakistan remains ready to engage with the new US administration to take these longstanding relations forward.
During his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and enduring relationship with the United States, emphasizing the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Welcoming President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the spokesperson highlighted the significance of US-Pakistan ties, which span a wide range of areas, and expressed hope that these relations will continue on a positive trajectory.
In response to a question, the spokesperson noted that Pakistan has an arrangement with the United States under which the US is committed to facilitating the resettlement of a significant number of Afghan refugees from Pakistan by September this year, he confirmed that this arrangement is still in place.
Addressing concerns over the safe havens enjoyed by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, the spokesperson urged Afghan authorities to address these issues, stressing that resolving them is essential for unlocking the full potential of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Regarding the Kashmir dispute, Shafqat Ali Khan reiterated Pakistan’s clear and unwavering position on the longstanding issue, noting the ongoing campaign of oppression in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for any genuine effort aimed at resolving the dispute in accordance with international law and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
