Spokesperson of Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has said that Pakistan is concerned about the threats from Afghanistan, there have been terrorist attacks from Afghanistan in other places including Chitral, Afghanistan’s land is being used against Pakistan, Pakistan will assess the situation. Will decide to open the border.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said in a weekly media briefing that Pakistan has been following the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement on the Torkham border for many years and Pakistan followed the agreement in good faith to help its neighboring country, but the agreement was misused. Pakistan is deeply concerned.
He said that women are being targeted in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, human rights violations are continuing at the hands of Indian forces.
In response to a question, he said that Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan shown in India’s map are administered by Pakistan, any such map will not be accepted.
The spokesperson of the Foreign Office said that the Caretaker Foreign Minister is on a visit to London to participate in the Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar will attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly from September 18 to September 23.
He welcomed the US ambassador’s visit to Gwadar and said that we will welcome third party investment under CPEC.
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Mumtaz Zahra Baloch family background
**Interview with Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Foreign Office of Pakistan**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Baloch. Tensions at the borders with Afghanistan and Iran are increasing, particularly with security threats and recent terrorist attacks. Can you elaborate on Pakistan’s concerns regarding Afghanistan?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** Thank you for having me. Yes, our concerns are very legitimate. We have witnessed a rise in attacks from Afghan territory, particularly affecting areas like Chitral. It’s imperative for us to assess the situation closely as Afghanistan’s land is being misused against Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that Pakistan has followed the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement in good faith. Can you explain the nature of the misuse you’ve referred to?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** Certainly. The agreement was intended to enhance trade and cooperation; however, it has been exploited, leading to security implications for Pakistan. We are deeply perturbed by this misuse and our priority is to ensure the safety of our citizens as we move forward.
**Interviewer:** In addition to Afghanistan, there are allegations of human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir. How does Pakistan view its role in addressing these issues?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** We unequivocally condemn the targeting of women and the ongoing human rights abuses in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan stands firm in asserting that the regions of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are rightly administered by us and any maps suggesting otherwise will not be accepted.
**Interviewer:** Moving on to international engagements, can you elaborate on the significance of the Caretaker Foreign Minister’s visit to London and the upcoming UN General Assembly?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** Absolutely. The Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Meeting in London will provide a platform for dialogue on youth issues, which are crucial for our future. Furthermore, the UN General Assembly is an opportunity for our Prime Minister to present Pakistan’s stance on various critical issues, including our position on regional peace and cooperation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, there’s growing interest in investment opportunities in Gwadar. How does Pakistan view foreign investments in this region?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** We warmly welcome third-party investments under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Gwadar is set to play a pivotal role in our economic development, and we aim to create a conducive environment for investors.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Ms. Baloch. Given these rising tensions and complex relationships, how should citizens assess the potential for conflict or cooperation in the region? Do you believe the current measures are sufficient to ensure Pakistan’s security?
**Mumtaz Zahra Baloch:** The citizens must stay informed and engage in constructive dialogue about these issues. While we are taking necessary security measures, the situation is fluid, and continued vigilance is crucial. We hope for cooperation to prevail over conflict—as dialogue and understanding remain our best paths forward.
**Interviewer:** That is a thought-provoking perspective. It raises the question: can genuine cooperation emerge amidst rising tensions, or are we bound to face more conflict in the near future? Thank you for your time.
