No information about Pakistanis going to Israel: FO spokesperson

Islamabad: The spokesperson of the Foreign Office Shafqat Ali Khan has said that there has been no change in Pakistan’s policy towards Israel, and there is no information about Pakistani citizens going to Israel.

In a weekly press briefing, Shafqat Ali Khan stated that they are collecting information about the news about Pakistanis going to Israel, and comments will be made only after the situation is clear.

He added that Pakistan’s missile and defense capabilities are for the security and stability of the country. Pakistan’s nuclear program is completely safe and invulnerable. Our missile technology is for the defense of the country and this is our defense strategy through deterrence.

In response to a question, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said that issuing a travel advisory is a matter for each country. However, there is no truth in the reports of US sanctions on Pakistanis, the State Department has denied the reports of entry restrictions into the US.

Regarding the question of summoning the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires, Shafqat Ali Khan said that summoning the Afghan Chargé d’Affaires is a routine matter. The meeting held yesterday on visa issues was a part of routine meetings. Summoning a diplomat is a routine matter. There is nothing unusual in the summoning.

The Foreign Office spokesperson further said that Pakistan is continuously informing Afghanistan of its concerns and its position is being conveyed through all channels. The international community is being asked to eliminate safe havens for terrorists from Afghan soil. The deadline for the deportation of Afghan refugees remains intact, no change has been made in it.

Shafqat Ali Khan also stated that the Torkham border was opened yesterday. Foot passengers will be allowed to travel from Friday. The Torkham border will remain open until April 15 and a permanent solution to the problem will be found. Stopping the construction of the border post was Pakistan’s main demand, which was accepted.

The spokesperson continued to say that Foreign Office officers are not involved in human trafficking, there is no truth in these speculations, and a fact-finding committee is being established to investigate social media reports.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and met with the Saudi Crown Prince. He thanked the Prince for Saudi Arabia's continued support.

Regarding the Jaffar Express tragedy, he said that India has not yet condemned the Jaffar Express train attack, its involvement in terrorism in Pakistan is clear.