27 Pakistanis are set to fly out of Uganda: FO

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi says twenty-seven Pakistanis are set to fly out of Uganda to Pakistan.

Giving updates regarding Pakistanis detained in Kampala, he said around 30 others are also willing to arrange their air tickets soon.

The Spokesperson said the rest will also leave, as they are on visit visas.

He said the immigration authorities have penalised each financial penalty. However, our Embassy team is discussing the matter with Ugandan authorities to get it waived off.

Tahir Andrabi said anything that passes through the conduit of diplomatic channels in Pakistan is honestly communicated to the other side.

He said Pakistan remains hopeful of a negotiated settlement of this issue, emphasizing that we encourage direct negotiations between the two sides. He said we hope for stable relations between Iran and the US.

The Foreign Office Spokesperson strongly condemned the unprovoked firing and shelling by Afghan forces in the border areas of South Waziristan adjacent to Bannu district, including Angoor Adda. He said efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of local populations and prevent further incidents.

Responding to a question, Tahir Andrabi expressed concerns over the continued detention and imprisonment of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik as well as the rearrest and continued extension of three-decade old case against distinguished Kashmiri leader Shabbir Ahmed Shah.

He called upon the international community to take notice of the situation and play its role in basically pressing upon India for immediate release of Shabbir Shah Sahib, Yasin Malik Sahib and all other political prisoners who have been incarcerated for their voices on human rights and political freedoms.

He also strongly condemned the Indian illegal action in connection with the reported ban and sealing of Jamia Siraj-ul-Uloom. He said targeting of this very credible institution in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is part of a broader policy and pattern by the occupying authorities aimed at undermining the socio-cultural and religious identity of the Kashmiri people. He said these developments point to a persistent rise in Islamophobia in IIOJK and across India, reflecting a broad pattern of a far-right Hindutva driven agenda.