The Foreign Office (FO) chose to remain non-committal over the controversial statements of MQM chief Altaf Hussain and tried to sweep the issue under the carpet.
However, upon assertion of journalists, Foreign Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry on Thursday said that he needed political guidance in order to comment on this issue.
Giving details of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang’s visit to Pakistan, the spokesman said Pakistan and China would sign several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in various fields during the forthcoming visit of the Chinese premier.
He said that details of these MoUs were being worked out.
President Asif Zardari will host a luncheon for the distinguished guest. The Chinese PM will also hold wide-ranging talks with President Zardari and caretaker premier Hazar Khan Khoso‚ which will be followed by a joint stakeout. Khoso will also host a banquet for the Chinese PM.
The Chinese premier will also meet leaders of political parties.
On the second day of his visit‚ Nawaz Sharif, president of his own faction of the Pakistan Muslim League, will call on Li Keqiang.
The Chinese prime minister will hold a joint meeting with the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker. He will also visit Pak-China Friendship Centre and plant a sapling at Shakarparian.
To a question about reference to Pakistan’s nuclear programme in the white paper issued by Australian Defence Ministry‚ the spokesman said Pakistan has a robust nuclear command and control system and security arrangements. He said Pakistan’s civilian nuclear programme was in line with the IAEA safeguards.
He said that relations between Pakistan and Afghan Army leadership were improving, adding, “It is our endeavour that durable peace is established in Afghanistan.”
Regarding Pakistani prisoners in India, the spokesman said, “We have raised the issue with India and we are hopeful of positive response from India.”
FO silent over Altaf’s anti-Pakistan statements
