Dubai, 1 December, 2023 (GNP): As the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) brings together global leaders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address pressing climate change concerns, the Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, clarified that there are no arranged talks between the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India during this summit.
“In Dubai, there is no planned meeting between Pak-India leadership,” confirmed Baloch during her routine press briefing.
The announcement arrives as Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, represents the nation at COP28 in the UAE, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in attendance.
The PM Office previously stated that the Prime Minister would engage in discussions with several global leaders on the conference sidelines, withholding specific details.
During the briefing, the spokesperson addressed the issue of repatriating illegal Afghan nationals, expressing Pakistan’s satisfaction with the ongoing process and the voluntary return of a significant number of Afghan migrants.
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She also emphasized the importance of international support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts amid the nation’s prolonged challenges.
Additionally, touching upon the situation in Gaza, Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s continuous support for a permanent ceasefire and highlighted Pakistan’s aid delivery to Gaza through the Rafah Crossing.
She reiterated concerns about difficulties in aid delivery due to the Israeli blockade and expressed disappointment over the resumption of hostilities after a temporary ceasefire.
“Israel’s renewed bombing of the Palestinian people is regrettable. The temporary respite allowed critical aid and prisoner exchanges.
Pakistan urges a lasting ceasefire to provide comprehensive humanitarian aid, urgent medical assistance, and shelter to displaced individuals affected by indiscriminate Israeli bombings,” stated the spokesperson.
Expressing deep concern about increased Israeli aggression against the West Bank, the spokesperson strongly denounced the Israeli raid in the Jenin refugee camp and condemned acts of violence against returning prisoners and their families.
The Foreign Office Spokesperson’s remarks underscore Pakistan’s stance on regional matters, emphasizing the need for peace, aid distribution, and addressing escalating hostilities in the Middle East.
