India disturbing strategic balance in region with acquisition of new arms and military capabilities

India disturbing strategic balance in region with acquisition of new arms and military capabilities

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan on Thursday has said India is disturbing strategic balance in the region through acquisition of arms and military capabilities beyond its legitimate needs.

At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez said the Indian actions are imperiling peace and stability of the region and the world community must take notice of it.

On the other hand, the Spokesperson said Pakistan and China relationship is contributing to the regional peace and stability. Highlighting grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Spokesperson called upon the international community to take cognizance of brutal suppression of the Kashmiri people’s rights and freedoms in utter violation of international laws and conventions.

He said the world community must use all tools at its disposal to hold India accountable for its serious crimes against the Kashmiri people. He urged the international community, particularly the United Nations counter-terrorism mechanisms, to act on the Pakistani Dossier providing irrefutable evidence of Indian state sponsorship of terrorism.

The Spokesperson condemned the assassination of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in Tehran. He said Pakistan strongly urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation of tensions in the region.

Welcoming the recent agreement between the Afghan parties on rules and procedures for negotiations, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhry hoped all the parties will build on it and take the process forward towards a peaceful settlement which is inclusive and broad based.

To a question, the spokesperson noted with concerns Israeli plans to build new settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. Terming it illegal and contrary to international laws, he said Pakistan steadfastly supports the right of self-determination of Palestinian people.

He said it is imperative to have a two state solution in accordance with the UN and OIC resolutions with the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al Sharif as the capital of Palestinian state. To a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan and the US enjoy close cooperative relationship. He said we look forward to work with the new US administration.