Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Pakistani Foreign Office, on behalf of 60 American Congressmen, the founding chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Letter for release of Imran Khan In his response to the issue of writing, he has said that commenting on the internal affairs of Pakistan is a violation of diplomatic etiquette.
More than 60 Democratic lawmakers in the US House of Representatives wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Wednesday requesting him to use their influence to secure the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is imprisoned in Pakistan.
During the weekly press briefing on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office was asked in this regard, to which he replied: “Pakistan and the United States have a long-standing cooperative relationship. Commenting on Pakistan’s internal affairs is a violation of diplomatic etiquette.” Yes, such letters are not compatible with Pakistan-US relations and mutual respect.’
The American lawmakers wrote in their letter that ‘We request you (Joe Biden) to use the significant influence of the United States with the Pakistani government to ensure the release of political prisoners, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan is also involved and human rights violations can be limited.
According to the letter headed by Congressman Greg Cassar: ‘This is the first such collective demand by several members of the US Congress for the release of Imran Khan, a long-time critic of US foreign policy and his Washington counterpart. Relations with have often been strained.’
Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 where he is facing multiple cases.
Earlier in July 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Working Group demanded the release of Imran Khan, saying that the imprisonment of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan was a ‘violation of international law’.
‘Hopefully Pakistan will get BRICS membership soon’
During the press briefing, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office expressed the expectation that soon Pakistan will get the membership of BRICS, an intergovernmental organization consisting of five countries.
The BRICS meeting is being held in Kazan, Russia from October 22 to 24.
The spokesperson of the Foreign Office told Independent Urdu in an exclusive interview: ‘Pakistan has applied for BRICS membership, we hope that BRICS will grant membership to Pakistan soon.’
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He added: ‘Pakistan was not invited to the BRICS forum, so Pakistan did not participate in the BRICS meeting.’
Last month in September, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei also supported Pakistan’s membership in BRICS during his visit to Pakistan.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk had a formal discussion with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and said that Moscow would support Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS.
The BRICS group of emerging economies came into existence in 2009 with five core members including Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa, while 26 observer countries.
Some countries including Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also applied for membership.
‘Aafia Siddiqui’s case is in touch’
Release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui On the matter of the Prime Minister writing a letter to American President Joe Biden, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office said that ‘Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has written a letter to the American President, in which he has requested favorable conditions for Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.’
He said that ‘Pakistan is in contact with the US State Department and the Department of Law and Justice, the Pakistani mission in the US is in contact with the family of Aafia Siddiqui and her legal team.’
Will the Indian team come to Pakistan?
The Cricket Champions Trophy is to be held in Pakistan in March next year, so are the talks going on between the two countries for the Indian cricket team to come to Pakistan or is there a possibility? In response to this question, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office said that ‘the details can be obtained from the Pakistan Cricket Board.’
He added: ‘Pakistan has always said that politics and sports should not mix. Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy and it is hoped that all countries will participate.’
During the briefing, the spokesperson of the Foreign Office said regarding Israel, “The Israeli occupying forces are involved in genocide and war crimes in Gaza with impunity, the unannounced targeting of densely populated areas and basic needs are war crimes.”
He further said that ‘Pakistan condemns the targeting of UN peacekeepers in Lebanon and demands an immediate stop to operations against UN peacekeepers.’
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Interview with Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Pakistani Foreign Office
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Baloch. Recently, over 60 American Congressmen sent a letter to President Biden, requesting his influence in securing the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. How has the Pakistani Foreign Office responded to this letter?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Thank you for having me. In response to this letter, we maintain that commenting on Pakistan’s internal affairs is a violation of diplomatic etiquette. While we acknowledge the long-standing cooperative relationship between Pakistan and the United States, such letters are not in alignment with mutual respect and understanding.
Interviewer: The lawmakers cited concerns over human rights violations and the treatment of political prisoners. How does the Pakistani government perceive these claims?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: We take concerns about human rights seriously; however, we believe that addressing these matters should be conducted through appropriate diplomatic channels rather than through public letters or statements that undermine our sovereignty.
Interviewer: Shifting focus to international organizations, you expressed optimism about Pakistan’s membership in BRICS. Could you elaborate on that?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Certainly. Pakistan has formally applied for BRICS membership, and we are hopeful that it will be granted soon. We believe that participation in this intergovernmental organization would offer significant economic and cultural opportunities for Pakistan.
Interviewer: Have there been any recent developments or support from other nations for Pakistan’s BRICS membership?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Yes, during a recent visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, he expressed Russia’s support for Pakistan’s inclusion in BRICS. This aligns with our strategic interests and strengthens our relations with member countries.
Interviewer: regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, can you clarify the Pakistani government’s stance on her situation?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reached out to President Biden to discuss the conditions surrounding Aafia Siddiqui’s case. We are in communication with the US State Department to advocate for her favorable treatment in accordance with international regulations.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ms. Baloch, for sharing your insights today.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Thank you for having me.
Interview with Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson of the Pakistani Foreign Office
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Baloch. Recently, over 60 American Congressmen sent a letter to President Biden, requesting his influence in securing the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. How has the Pakistani Foreign Office responded to this letter?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Thank you for having me. In response to this letter, we maintain that commenting on Pakistan’s internal affairs is a violation of diplomatic etiquette. We acknowledge the long-standing cooperative relationship between Pakistan and the United States, but such letters do not align with the principles of mutual respect and understanding that underpin our relations.
Interviewer: The lawmakers cited concerns over human rights violations and the treatment of political prisoners. How does the Pakistani government perceive these claims?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: We take concerns about human rights seriously; however, we strongly believe that these matters should be addressed through appropriate diplomatic channels. Pakistan is a sovereign nation, and we are committed to our legal processes and the rule of law.
Interviewer: It’s been reported that Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023, facing multiple charges. What is the official stance of the Pakistani government regarding his imprisonment?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: As stated, Imran Khan has been processed through our judicial system, and like any individual, he is entitled to due process. The Pakistani government respects its legal framework, and any allegations of human rights violations should be substantiated through credible and appropriate mechanisms.
Interviewer: In addition to this, you mentioned the potential for Pakistan to join BRICS. Can you elaborate on the significance of this membership for Pakistan?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Yes, during our recent press briefing, we expressed optimism about Pakistan’s application for BRICS membership. Joining such a prominent platform of emerging economies is crucial for fostering economic collaboration and enhancing our geopolitical standing. We hope that our application will be favorably considered soon.
Interviewer: Lastly, can you tell us about the recent communications regarding Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and her legal situation?
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Pakistan remains engaged with the US regarding the case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has reached out to President Biden to advocate for better conditions for her and to ensure that her legal rights are respected. We must look out for the welfare of our citizens abroad and continue these diplomatic discussions with the US administration.
Interviewer: Thank you, Ms. Baloch, for sharing your insights today.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch: Thank you for having me.
