Pak to make every possible effort for Dr Aafia?s release: FO
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed dismay over unexpected verdict of the American juryin Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’’s case.
Reacting to the judgment at the weekly news briefing here Thursday, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said the Government will consult family of Dr. Aafia and the team of defence lawyers to determine future course of action.
He pointed out that Pakistan made extensive diplomatic and legal efforts on her behalf. The President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister took up the issue at different levels of US administration for her release on compassionate grounds.
Under instructions of the Prime Minister, Dr. Aafia was also extended all legal support through Pakistan’’s Embassy in Washington.
The spokesman said Pakistan will try and do its best to secure her release.
Replying to a question, he said Pakistan will continue to support the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for right of self-determination and at the end of the day they will achieve their goal.
He said Pakistan has always taken a principle stand on the issue of Kashmir and it will continue to pursue the international community to play its due role in resolution of this long-standing issue which is vital for durable peace in the region.
He regretted that Kashmiris have been suffering for their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination as enshrined in UN charter and relevant UN resolutions.
He hoped that composite dialogue between Pakistan and India will resume soon to move forward towards resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir and water issues.
He said Pakistan believes that it is only through meaningful and genuine dialogue that Pakistan and India can resolve their bilateral disputes.
He said Pakistan would welcome resumption of the composite dialogue and underlined that talks should beall-encompassing and result oriented.
When his attention was drawn towards consistent violations of Indus Water Treaty and stoppage of Pakistan’’s share of water by India, the spokesman said we are seized of the matter and added that Pakistan will be doing whatever required to protect its interests.
He said the Government was cognizant of the implications of the water issues and the relevant authorities are now weighing different options and will proceed in accordance with our national interests.
Answering question, the spokesman expressed concern over the increased Indian role in Afghanistan and made it clear that Pakistan would remain neutral in the Afghan affairs.
He said Pakistan has serious concerns about India using Afghan territory to destabilize Pakistan.
Responding to a question he said Pakistan is ready to play a constructive and positive role in Afghanistan but it is for Afghanistan to determine such a role.
The spokesman told a questioner that three American soldiers killed Wednesday in Dir were from amongst the trainers who are training personnel Pakistani law enforcing agencies in the context of counter-insurgency capabilities.
To a question he said Pakistan has strongly taken up the matter of strip search of Pakistani passengers at the US airports with American authorities.
The issue was also raised during recent visit of American special envoy Richard Holbrooke and he told Pakistan that it has already been discussed with the Homeland Security Department.
The spokesman hoped that the Homeland Security would review the discriminatory procedure and withdraw it.
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