ISLAMABAD- Pakistan says it is in contact with Afghan officials on the issue of detention of Pakistani journalist Faizullah in Afghanistan.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam during her weekly briefing commenting on the conviction of a Pakistani Journalist Faizullah Khan said the matter has been actively pursued with the Afghan authorities to secure the release of the journalist.
She said our consular general in Jalalabad and Kabul embassy has been pursuing this case on the legal and political tracks. The consular general held meetings with the Afghan officials and secured immediate consular access to the journalist, facilitated his contact with the family and arranged a lawyer.
Our Ambassador in Kabul also held meetings with the Afghan foreign and interior ministers on the matter. In all these meetings, the afghan authorities were asked to release the Pakistani journalist on humanitarian grounds. Due to hectic efforts, the most serious charges have been dropped against the journalist and the Afghan authorities have also promised to help Pakistan in this case.
Condemning the attack on Kabul aiport, Tasnim Aslam said Islamabad extends heartfelt condolences to the families of victims and prays for speedy recovery of the injured. She said no cause justifies such despicable acts especially in the holy month of Ramadan. We reiterate condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
Aslam stressed that Pakistan’s soil would not be allowed to be used against other countries. The spokeswoman called on Afghan authorities to ensure that attacks emanating from their soil also stopped.
On the Afghan presidential elections, the spokesperson said Pakistan has welcomed the amicable solution reached regarding the complaints of fraud in second round of presidential elections in the neighboring country. She said we appreciate the efforts of everyone who contributed to this peaceful negotiated outcome. We believe this is success for democracy. She hoped the Afghan authorities and the international partners will remain successful in the next important process to be undertaken within the next few weeks.
The FO spokeswoman told reporters that Pakistan wanted resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir with India.