ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office said on Friday that Islamabad firmly supports China on matters related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
At his weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi defended Pakistan’s decision to close the border with Afghanistan for trade. He said that Pakistan has opened the border crossing for humanitarian assistance only. The border was opened after we received formal requests from some UN relief agencies. He explained, “This is a limited opening of the border solely for UN humanitarian aid.”
Responding to a question, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the closure of the border in self-defence is permitted. “If firing from the other side kills border security guards, kill these trade posts, then closure of the border in self-defence is allowed. It is legal under international law,” he said.
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Andrabi dismissed speculations regarding talks with the Afghan Taliban regime purportedly held in Saudi Arabia. He criticized India for delaying clearance of the flight, which had to take humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, calling the move “impractical and contrary” to the urgency of disaster relief.
When asked about Chinese statements regarding Zangnan, known in India as Arunachal Pradesh, the spokesperson said that Pakistan fully supported China on matters related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Andrabi issued a detailed response on the 33rd anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid, calling it an event that continues to evoke deep sadness and concern. He said the incident symbolized the marginalization of Indian Muslims and urged the international community to ensure the protection of Muslim religious heritage. He further called on India to uphold tolerance, inclusivity, and equal citizenship for all religious communities.
Responding to a question on a reported UN finding that increasing contact between the Afghan Taliban and India is harmful for regional stability, Andrabi said such links had existed historically but were concerning only when directed against Pakistan. He said Islamabad had no objection to normal interstate cooperation between any two countries, as long as it did not follow a “zero-sum approach.”
In response to allegations circulated by Amnesty International regarding Pakistan’s supposed use of an Israeli spy ware system, the spokesperson termed the claims “rumour-mongering disinformation” and firmly rejected any suggestion of cooperation between Pakistan and Israel, including in the technology domain.
On Russian President Putin’s visit to India and speculation about a major defence deal, Andrabi said both countries were sovereign states free to pursue bilateral ties, and Pakistan had no specific position until the visit concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025