Foreign Office spokesperson commenting on the security situation, the Foreign Office also highlighted concerns over modern American weapons left behind in Afghanistan, stating that these arms are being used by terrorists.
"These weapons are being employed for acts of terrorism inside Pakistan," the spokesperson warned, underscoring the growing threat posed by militants.
The FO spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the Afghan side attempted to set up a checkpoint on Pakistan's border at Torkham
“A border mechanism is in place, involving multiple institutions working together to ensure security and coordination,” MOFA spokesman said.
The spokesperson addressed the situation at the Torkham border, revealing that the Afghan side attempted to set up a checkpoint on Pakistan’s side. He reiterated that border management mechanisms are in place and involve multiple agencies.
Foreign Office also expressed concern over the use of abandoned U.S. military weapons in Afghanistan by terrorist groups, confirming that these weapons have been used in terrorist activities within Pakistan.
Pakistan-U.S. ties and F16s
Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan in a weekly media briefing Friday highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United States emphasizing both nations share significant engagements at the diplomatic level, including defense cooperation such as the F-16 program.
MOFA spokesman said recent U.S. decision regarding the F-16 program was welcomed by Pakistan.
Repatriation of Pakistani citizens
Foreign Office Spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan will accept its returning citizens, emphasizing their rights as Pakistani nationals. He stated that Pakistan has not been informed of any visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia. A significant number of Pakistanis reside in Saudi Arabia, and the government continues to monitor the situation closely.
Deportation of Pakistanis from U.S
Foreign Office spokesperson said the deportation of eight Pakistani nationals from the United States, marking the first batch of such repatriations. The spokesperson stated that the government is in contact with U.S. authorities regarding further deportations but could not provide additional details on future cases.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Ministry of Interior are responsible for verifying the identities of the deported individuals.
Pakistan-Japan bilateral political consultations
The fourth round of Pakistan-Japan bilateral political consultations was held in Tokyo. Discussions included regional and global security threats, particularly terrorism. The spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s repeated concerns about the abandoned advanced U.S. weaponry in Afghanistan, highlighting the risks associated with these arms falling into terrorist hands.
Foreign visits
Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the United Nations Charter at the UNSC meeting. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met with the Prime Minister and Vice Prime Minister, visiting the under-construction Chashma-5 Nuclear Power Plant.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar participated in the UN Security Council ministerial meeting, voicing concerns over the situations in Gaza and Indian-occupied Kashmir. He also met with the Chinese Foreign Minister and members of the Pakistani community in New York.
Prime Minister’s diplomatic engagements
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Azerbaijan at the invitation of the Azerbaijani President and Uzbekistan on the invitation of the Uzbek President. In Tashkent, he addressed the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Business Forum on February 25, discussing regional connectivity through railway and trade corridors via Afghanistan.
Strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations
At the invitation of the Prime Minister, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi undertook an official visit to Pakistan. During the visit, both countries signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering trade, tourism, and other key sectors, further strengthening bilateral ties.
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