ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India on Thursday exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations pursuant to the 1988 Agreement on the Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, continuing the longstanding practice between the two countries, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson said the agreement, signed on December 31, 1988, stipulates that both countries inform each other of the nuclear installations and facilities covered under the agreement on January 1 of every calendar year.
The agreement came into force on January 27, 1991, and the annual exchange of lists has been taking place on January 1 each year since 1992.
“These lists were officially handed over to the respective High Commissions,” he said.
The spokesperson also stated that Islamabad and New Delhi exchanged lists of prisoners in accordance with the 2008 Consular Access Agreement, which requires both countries to share such lists twice a year on January 1 and July 1.
“The government of Pakistan handed over a list of 257 Indian prisoners, including 199 fishermen and 58 other civilians, currently in Pakistan’s custody, to the High Commission of India in Islamabad,” he said.
He added that India is also sharing a list of Pakistani prisoners with Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi.
Chinese mediation in the Pakistan-India conflict
Responding to a question on the mediation and diplomacy undertaken by China during the India-Pakistan conflict, the spokesman highlighted Beijing role in “bringing down temperatures” and security in the region.
“The leadership of China… was in constant touch with the leadership of Pakistan and had made certain contacts with the Indian leadership as well,” said the statement.
He added that these contacts contributed to de-escalation and the promotion of peace and security in the region, describing it as “diplomacy for peace.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s policy, the spokesperson stated that Pakistan supports China on “all matters of its core interests, including Taiwan.” The remarks were made in response to a question on the US announcement to sell weaponry to Taiwan.
“We will continue to adhere to the One-China principle and regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China,” he added.
Regime change
Responding to a question on the regime change in Afghanistan, the spokesman stated that Pakistan respects their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Islamabad is “ready to work with the present dispensation,” said the statement.
“It is for the Afghan people to pick and choose whichever government they want, and we are ready to work with the present dispensation,” he added.
He said that it was inappropriate to use the word “regime change” for a neighbouring country.
Responding to a question on the recent resolution adopted by the religious clerics and remarks by the Afghanistan interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi, Andrabi welcomed it and called it a “positive development.”
Last year in December, Muttaqi, endorsing the religious decree issued by the country’s religious scholars, assured that the leadership of the Taliban does not permit anyone to conduct military activities in other countries and that violators will face legal measures.
“We look forward to these positive overtures being backed by a firm commitment that Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism against Pakistan,” the spokesperson added.
On the issue of border closures, the spokesperson said the decision was linked to written agreements sought from the Afghan Taliban during the Doha and Istanbul talks held last year.
Unity and territorial integrity of Yemen
Spokesperson Andrabi stated that Pakistan reiterates its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen and the efforts aimed at establishing lasting peace and stability in the country.
“Pakistan strongly opposes unilateral steps by a Yemeni party that may further escalate the situation, undermine peace efforts, and threaten the peace and stability of Yemen as well as that of the region,” he added.
He also welcomed the regional efforts for de-escalating the situation and maintaining peace and stability in Yemen, as per the statement.
