Current Final

Tag: Foreign Office

  • Man arrested in Delaware on weapons charge is Afghan, not Pakistani: Foreign Office

    Man arrested in Delaware on weapons charge is Afghan, not Pakistani: Foreign Office

    The Foreign Office (FO) has clarified that the man detained in the United States (US) on weapons and attack-related charges last week is an Afghan national and not of Pakistani descent.

    FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi released the statement after numerous international reports referred to the suspect as a Pakistani.

    “He is neither a Pakistani national nor of Pakistani origin. He is an Afghan who lived a few years as a refugee in Pakistan before moving to the US, where he has spent the majority of his life,” the spokesperson said.

    Earlier, reports from various foreign, particularly Indian, media outlets had said the suspect, Luqman Khan, was a US citizen born in Pakistan. 

    While a report released by The Associated Press on Thursday did not identify Khan as having Pakistani roots, it revealed that the suspect was a student at the University of Delaware.

    A press release from the US Department of Justice issued on December 1 detailed the charges against Khan but did not specify his nationality. 

    The release noted that Khan, a Wilmington resident in Delaware, was stopped during a traffic check on November 24, where he allegedly did not comply and was subsequently arrested.

    According to the Department of Justice, officers discovered a .357 caliber Glock handgun loaded with 27 rounds in his vehicle. They also found a handwritten notebook that contained discussions about “additional weapons and firearms, how they could be utilised in an attack and methods to evade law enforcement detection following an attack”. 

    The notebook listed a member of the University of Delaware Police Department’s name and included a layout of a building labeled with entry and exit points under the title “UD Police Station”.

    Subsequently, law enforcement officers searched Khan’s home. According to the Department of Justice, they seized a Glock 19 9mm handgun equipped with an illegal machine-gun conversion device, known as a “switch”. 

    Additionally, they recovered a .556 rifle with a scope and red-dot sight, eleven extended magazines, hollow-point ammunition and a tactical vest with ballistic plates.

    The press release stated that Khan was charged on November 26 with illegal possession of a machine gun. 

    It noted that this charge could result in a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and sentencing will be determined by a federal judge according to US Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

  • ‘Delusional’; Foreign Office brushes off Rajnath Singh’s remarks suggesting Sindh could ‘return’ to India

    ‘Delusional’; Foreign Office brushes off Rajnath Singh’s remarks suggesting Sindh could ‘return’ to India

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has dismissed comments made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, denouncing his “delusional and dangerously revisionist remarks” about Sindh, after he suggested that the province could “return” to India.

    According to Indian media reports, Singh stated: “While the territory of Sindh is not currently a part of India, culturally, it will always belong to India. As for land, borders can change. Who knows, perhaps Sindh could become part of India again in the future.”

    He passed the remarks during an event in New Delhi, where he also claimed that Sindhi Hindus from his generation never truly accepted the province’s incorporation into Pakistan. The comments were made at the Sindhi Samaj Sammelan, a gathering associated with the Sindhi community.

    Sindh has arisen in Indian political discourse at various times, often during periods of tension or significant events within India.

    In response to Singh’s statement, the FO stated that the comments exhibited an “expansionist Hindutva mindset that seeks to challenge established realities” and infringed upon international law, recognised borders, and national sovereignty.

    The FO urged Singh and Indian authorities to “refrain from inciting remarks that jeopardise regional peace and stability,” adding that it would be “much more constructive for the Government of India to focus on ensuring the safety of its own citizens, particularly vulnerable minority groups.”

    It further stated that New Delhi should “hold accountable those who incite or commit violence against them and address discrimination grounded in faith-based bias and historical distortions.”

    Citing unrest in India’s northeast, the FO noted that many communities in that region “continue to face systematic marginalisation, identity-based persecution, and cycles of state-enabled violence.”

    Reaffirming its stance on the Kashmir conflict, the FO called on India to take “credible measures toward the genuine resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people under occupation.”

    The FO emphasised that Pakistan remains dedicated to resolving all disputes with India according to international legal standards while being “steadfast in protecting its security, national independence, and sovereignty.”

    Separately, Rajnath Singh remarked: “Our soldiers possess both weaponry and high morale. No challenge can prevail against us. Whether it is terrorism or any other issue, we have the capability to address and overcome them all.”

  • Foreign Office says doesn’t know about PM’s tourism coordinator meeting Israeli official in London

    Foreign Office says doesn’t know about PM’s tourism coordinator meeting Israeli official in London

    The Foreign Office (FO) has said it had “no information” regarding reports that Pakistani businessman and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s Coordinator on Tourism Sardar Yasir Ilyas had interacted with an Israeli official in London.

    The clarification during the FO’s weekly press briefing came after a viral video on social media showed Ilyas shaking hands and conversing with director general (DG) of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, Michael Izhar-Kov.

    The video was reportedly recorded at the World Travel Market held in London from November 4 to 6, 2025. Israeli journalist Rai Kais first shared it on X, claiming Pakistan had been mentioned among countries that could join an international force in Gaza.

    However, London-based journalist Murtaza Ali Shah suggested the encounter was unplanned, stating that “a group of individuals from Israel visited the Pakistan Pavilion unannounced and met the Pakistani delegation without introducing themselves”.

    “I have no information on this meeting. The gentleman you referred to is a public figure. I would request you to ask him about the meeting,” FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said when asked about the viral video during the briefing.

    Andrabi went on to say he had not seen the report or had any information on a meeting between the premier’s adviser or any public figure with an Israeli representative.

    “I can assure you that if such a meeting or interaction took place, it was certainly without authorisation by the government,” he said.

  • FO confirms no communication from Iran on refugees or military help

    FO confirms no communication from Iran on refugees or military help

    Pakistan has confirmed that it has not received any requests from Iran for military assistance or help in relocating refugees. Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan clarified this during a media briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

    Responding to questions concerning the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, he said no request for military or humanitarian support had been made by Iran, and Pakistan is not involved in any discussions regarding participation in the conflict.

    Khan updated that Pakistan has facilitated the return of almost 3,000 Pakistanis from Iran through initiatives organised by Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Tehran, Mashhad, and Zahedan, adding that those seeking to return are being assisted.

    The FO spokesperson said they are carefully monitoring developments along Iran’s borders. He stated that the potential for instability remains high and that Pakistan endorses efforts aimed at de-escalation through dialogue and restraint.

    On Pakistan’s stance concerning the wider Iran-Israel conflict, Khan reiterated that the government views such military actions as breaches of international norms. He affirmed that Pakistan has consistently condemned assaults against Iran and upholds the country’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law.

    Khan also addressed rumours about Pakistan being approached for involvement in the ongoing tensions, similar to its previous role in Afghanistan. He stated that no such discussions have taken place and dismissed reports linking Pakistan to military cooperation in this conflict. The spokesperson emphasised that Pakistan maintains its current stance and has not been invited to join any alliance or regional arrangement.

    The Foreign Office also commented on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). In response to recent developments in Ladakh, the spokesperson noted that these actions violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He urged India to reconsider its policies and engage in dialogue to resolve all longstanding disputes.

    Throughout the briefing, the FO reiterated that Pakistan adheres to a policy of restraint, diplomacy, and non-intervention in ongoing conflicts.

  • ‘Resilient spirit’, Pakistan extends solidarity with the people of Bangladesh

    ‘Resilient spirit’, Pakistan extends solidarity with the people of Bangladesh

    As Bangladesh grapples with the the end of a historic uprising, Pakistan extended solidarity with the country’s people and wished for peace and normalcy.

    The Ministry of Foreign Office (MOFO) stated in a press release that, ‘’the government and people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and sincerely hope for a peaceful and swift return to normalcy’’.
    ‘’We are confident that the resilient spirit and unity of the Bangladeshi people will lead them towards a harmonious future,’’ the statement further stated.

    On Monday, Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule ended when demonstrators stormed into her palace and parliament.

  • Foreign Office changes statement; removes ‘Israel’ from condemnation of Ismail Haniyeh assassination

    Foreign Office changes statement; removes ‘Israel’ from condemnation of Ismail Haniyeh assassination

    In an unusual development, the Foreign Office (FO) Pakistan on July 31st re-issued its press release condemning the assassination of Hamas’s Ismael Haniyeh, expunging the word “Israel”.

    Both press releases were issued on the same day; however, in the last paragraph of the initial press release, it was written, “Pakistan views with serious concerns the growing Israeli adventurism in the region.”

    First statement:

    Later, it was changed to “Pakistan views with serious concerns the growing adventurism in the region,” redacting the word “Israel” from its statement.

    Updated statement:

    Social media noticed the correction instantly and reacted with suspicion, with most questioning the intent behind FO Pakistan’s move.

  • Pakistan won’t sacrifice relations with China for US: FO

    Pakistan won’t sacrifice relations with China for US: FO

    Pakistan Foreign Office spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch has ruled out the possibility of downgrading the country’s relationship with China in order to improve relations with the United States, saying, “For us, relations with the United States and relations with China are both important.”

    China is Pakistan’s all-weather strategic ally, Baloch stated, adding that the country will continue to strengthen this relationship.

    When asked about Pakistan’s relations with the US, she said, “We would like to develop this relationship on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.”

    Pakistan’s Foreign Office statement comes after US diplomat Donald Lu sought a $101 million assistance package for Pakistan from US Congress, saying, “China is the past in terms of investment, and we are the future.”

  • Email kholo! SIFC to officials

    Email kholo! SIFC to officials

    The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has ordered all the focal persons of ministries to regularly check and respond to their emails after it was revealed that no one responded to UAE companies interested in investing in renewable energy projects in Pakistan.

    The event unfolded when the Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan noted that when its ambassador to UAE held a meeting with Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) focal person to receive an update on the seven bilateral investment MoUs signed with UAE in November 2023.

    It was then revealed that the ADQ had tried to establish contacts with the concerned focal persons through formal channels of communication – emails. However, they received no reply in over a month and despite reminders, they await our response.

    Considering the recent developments, SIFC has requested all focal persons to establish official communication channels with a proper record keeping mechanisms in place. Email is regarded as the official means of communication while WhatsApp is treated as an informal tool.

  • No country has raised concerns regarding polls delay, says Foreign Office

    Following reports of senior diplomats expressing reservations regarding the delay in polls in Pakistan, while mentioning that it could have negative effects on Pakistan’s relationships with democratic nations, the Foreign Office said it has not yet received any such communication from any capital, sources told The News.

    If a country raises any doubts and concerns, the authorities can address them, the Foreign Office said.

    If elections are delayed beyond February next year, then that might invoke serious consequences for the country. “Frankly, if elections are delayed beyond February, it will be extremely difficult for us to maintain the same level of bilateral engagement with Pakistan as we are doing now,” a source told Express Tribune.

    It is believed that in case of delay in elections, western countries, might revisit their cooperation with Pakistan. This could negatively impact Pakistan’s engagement with US-led financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
    Not only Western countries want timely elections but they also want a level playing field for all the political parties. “This is something we will be keeping a close eye on,” said another diplomatic source, referring to media restrictions and crackdown against certain political parties.

    Meanwhile, FO Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch clarified that she has no knowledge of any messages from any capital on this matter, as the positions of Pakistan and other countries on the issue are already known.

    The sources revealed that the government is well aware of the European Union’s (EU) stance and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) perspective on the matter. If parliamentary elections are deferred without valid reasons, the Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade facility could come under scrutiny.

    It has been reported that United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, and some other senior Western diplomats had held meetings with high-ranking officials in Pakistan, including caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

    These meetings were aimed at gaining first-hand assessments of the situation. It is understood that these countries have closely followed the developments in Pakistan regarding election preparations and maintained communication with relevant parties to emphasise the preservation of a democratic environment.

    The sources noted that Pakistan has adequately briefed important capitals on the post-dissolution developments in national and provincial legislatures. The government has assured these capitals that the action will strictly adhere to the Constitution and law. The restriction to hold elections within 90 days following assembly dissolution, as stipulated in the Constitution, has been communicated.

    The sources highlighted that the ECP had recently clarified that there are no intentions to delay elections once the delimitation process concludes. Speculation arose that updating electoral rolls based on new delimitations could lead to further delays.

    The electoral body dismissed the concerns, explaining that updating electoral rolls and delimitation can proceed concurrently, as this is not an uncommon practice and would not cause any delay in elections. The ECP has already set December 14 as the deadline for completing the constituency delimitation process, and the enrollment of new voters will also be completed by this deadline.

  • Here is what Bilawal Bhutto said in his address at SCO Foreign Ministers meeting in India

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Minis­ters (CFM) in India, Goa on Friday.


    During his address, the young minister who is leading Pakistan’s delegation, talked about climate change, importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, poverty alleviation and Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism among other things.

    Bhutto started his address by reiterating Pakistan’s strong commitment to SCO saying,“There couldn’t be a more powerful indication of the importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO than my presence here in Goa for this CFM”.

    Bilawal also talked about eradicating the menace of terrorism. “Let’s not get caught up in weaponising terrorism for diplomatic point scoring.”

    Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism for maintaining international peace and harmony.

    “A peaceful and stable Afghanistan is a key not only to regional integration and economic cooperation but also to global peace and stability,” said Bilawal while talking about the importance of peaceful and stable Afghanistan.