ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan has dismissed the reports suggesting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet with Indian Premier Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)’s Head of State Summit later this month.
The spokesperson stated this while addressing a weekly media briefing here on Friday.
“There will be no meeting on the sidelines of the SCO Summit,” he responded.
To another question, he categorically announced that currently no visit is taking place by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in October.
“There have been no updates or confirmation about US Senator Marco Rubio’s visit to Pakistan in October,” he pointed out. With regards to India-China relations and the recent visit of Wang Yi to New Delhi, the spokesperson said that Pakistan does not comment on bilateral relations between two countries. However, Ambassador Khan remarked Pakistan’s relationship with China remains historic, robust, decades-old,and sustainable. “Counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and China is a key factor in this partnership.”
The spokesperson also confirmed reports of harassment of Pakistani diplomats in New Delhi, reiterating Pakistan’s firm stance that diplomatic staff should be treated with a dignified manner in line with international laws and conventions. Responding to a query, the FO spokesperson said that Sino-Pak ties continue to grow and progress to new heights, particularly in areas like counterterrorism. Pak-China strong relations are key to regional stability, he added.
He said terrorism remains a major critical point of discussion with Afghanistan whenever a meeting takes place. “Both trade and economic ties will reach their full potential once terrorism is eradicated and terror sanctuaries dismantled on Afghan soil.”
Shafqat said Pakistan continues to engage with Afghan leadership on this issue, emphasising the importance of addressing terrorism and cross-border sanctuaries.
Pakistan has also expressed serious concern over India’s increasing arms buildup and the rise of Islamophobia, which is seen as a dangerous trend but the international community has turned its blind eye on purchases of sophisticated weapons. Pakistan, however, maintains the capability to deter or thwart any potential aggression from India. The spokesperson reaffirmed that Pakistan is open to a composite and meaningful dialogue, including terrorism, but India seems focused only on discussing terrorism.
“Pakistan has substantial proofs of Indian-sponsored terrorism within its borders.”
Regarding Afghanistan’s opposition figures proposed meeting in Islamabad on 25th August, he said the invitation of Afghan opposition figures by a think tank was not state-sponsored and was an open event. Social media has exaggerated the significance of the activity, he clarified.
Pakistan condemned India’s intercontinental missile tests, calling them a threat to regional security. Pakistan will continue to maintain a minimum defense deterrence.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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