In recent developments, Pakistan has clarified that the decision to deport illegal residents is not specifically aimed at Afghan refugees, but it pertains to all immigrants residing in the country without valid visa documents. This statement was made by the Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a weekly press briefing. She emphasized that Pakistan’s national policy toward Afghan refugees, who have been hosted in the country for several decades despite economic constraints, remains unchanged. The ongoing operation focuses on individuals who have either overstayed their visas or do not possess the necessary documents to stay in Pakistan.
Baloch further clarified that the operation has no connection to Afghan refugees, and their safe repatriation is a separate issue. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues, but Pakistan is committed to preventing the misuse of transit trade facilities. Pakistan has voiced concerns about security threats emanating from Afghanistan and is seeking diplomatic engagement with Afghan authorities to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism.
In addition, Baloch stated that Pakistan is in contact with Indian authorities and has urged them to issue visas to Pakistani spectators and journalists who wish to attend the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup in India. Pakistan’s cricket team is visiting India for an international series, and Baloch stressed that sports should not be mixed with politics.
Addressing questions regarding international observers for the upcoming general election, the spokesperson confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received formal communication from the Election Commission. The process to invite international observers will be facilitated following established policy and practices.
On the issue of Palestine, Pakistan’s policy is to support a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani’s engagements in China were also discussed. He participated in the Third Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ecological balance and collaboration between countries in the region. FM Jilani and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral discussions, emphasizing the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China relations and discussing regional and global matters.
In Tibet, FM Jilani met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Sainbuyan Amarsaikha, reaffirming their commitment to high-level exchanges, bilateral trade, and investment enhancement.
Regarding trade relations, Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have concluded negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking the first such agreement between the GCC and any country since 2009. Pakistan anticipates the early signing, ratification, and implementation of this agreement to foster growth and mutual prosperity.
In its role as the coordinator of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Group based in Geneva, Pakistan co-organized an event with the OIC Observer Mission in Geneva. This event aimed to raise awareness about religious discrimination, intolerance, and hatred while emphasizing the need to strengthen the normative framework for addressing these issues from a human rights perspective.
Regarding the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Baloch expressed concerns about ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces. In September, Indian troops reportedly killed 13 Kashmiris in extrajudicial killings and arrested 157 civilians and activists, most of whom were charged under draconian laws. Baloch called for an end to such oppressive measures and human rights violations, advocating for the release of Kashmiri leaders to allow the local population to exercise their right to self-determination.
