Indian forces won't be able to silence Kashmiri voices: FO

ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Thursday said that Indian forces will not be able to silence innocent Kashmiris, and called on international institutions to probe into the human rights violations being carried out by the occupying forces.

During his weekly briefing, FO spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan condemns the genocide of defenceless Kashmiris. “India is committing ceasefire violations at the Line of Control to divert the world's attention from its atrocities." 

"Pakistan strongly condemns the genocide of defenseless Kashmiri people. They [India]cannot suppress the voice of freedom of the Kashmiri people by the use of force. International intuitions should be allowed to probe into the atrocities in the valley.”

'Positive talks held between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan'

Regarding the tripartite talks between Pakistan, China and Afghanistan, the Foreign Office spokesperson said that the three countries held positive discussions. During the second round of Pakistan-Afghanistan-China trilateral dialogue in Kabul, the countries signed a memorandum of understanding on anti-terrorism cooperation.

“All three parties have echoed their determination to curb terrorism. Pakistan has played its part in the Afghan peace process which is being hailed internationally,” Dr Faisal said.

“A meeting was also held between the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan and China in which all three ministers agreed to work together to fight terrorism," he informed, adding that the three countries also agreed to work together to maximise the benefits from the One Belt, One Road Initiative.

'Pakistan playing its part in Afghan peace process'

On a recent dialogue between officials from the United States and Afghan Taliban held in UAE, Dr Faisal said Pakistan supports the talks and is hopeful of a peaceful result to the Afghan issue.

“Pakistan is playing its part for the establishment of peace in Afghanistan and wants to find a solution to the issue with the Afghan leadership,” he asserted.

About the Afghan elections, the spokesperson said it is Afghanistan's internal matter. “Pakistan does not interfere in any country’s internal matter," he said. 

'Will not let India lay claim to Jinnah House'

On the subject of India’s claim to Jinnah House in Mumbai, the spokesperson said Pakistan has the claim to the building. "We will not let any Indian attempt to possess the house be successful,” he stressed. 

Rubbishing reports about the Kartarpur corridor land being handed to India, he said there is no truth to the rumours. “Kartarpur Gurdwara will only be opened for the Sikh [community's] religious rituals.”

'Hamid Nehal Ansari entered Pakistan illegally'

The spokesperson said that the recently released Indian spy Hamid Nehal Ansari had entered Pakistan illegally. “He was punished for his crimes and then sent back after the completion of his sentence.”

“Every six months a list of prisoners is exchanged between Pakistan and India. After the completion of sentences, prisoners are released. Next list will be exchanged on January 1,” he added. 

Speaking about Pakistanis who went on a hunger strike in a prison in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dr Faisal said that the Pakistani High Commissioner in Sri Lanka met with the prisoners and legal proceedings have been initiated to help the jailed Pakistanis.