Pakistan sent invitations to SCO members for upcoming meeting: FO

Islamabad: The Foreign Office has confirmed that invitations have been extended to all heads of government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries including the Prime Minister of India for the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of SCO.

At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that we have also received some confirmations. This meeting is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on October 15 and 16.

Responding to a question, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Pakistan does not have trade relations with India.

She added Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions clearly state that the final disposition of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute shall be made per the will of the people through a UN-supervised plebiscite.

Against this backdrop, she further said that any other process cannot serve as a substitute for the grant of the right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people.

Responding to a question, the Spokesperson said Pakistan has no plans to engage in any talks with the TTP.

She said the presence of terror groups including the TTP in Afghanistan is confirmed by multiple international reports including the United Nations.

Mumtaz stated: “We expect the Afghan authorities to take robust action against these terror groups and prevent their activities that endanger Pakistan's security”.  

When asked about China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Spokesperson said it is a transformational project that has contributed positively and transparently to Pakistan's national development. The corridor project enjoys support and popularity in all provinces and across the political divide in Pakistan.

She clarified that Pakistan's total public debt relating to CPEC projects is a small percentage of its total debt. Moreover, the public debt obtained from China has longer maturity periods with low interest rates.

The Spokesperson reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing full security to all Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions.