United States State Department Spokesperson John Kirby on Friday assured Pakistan of its continued support to the country’s territorial integrity.
The United States has unambiguously distanced itself from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attempt to internationalise the Baloch issue.
Pakistan has condemned India’s attempt to raise Balochistan at the United Nations in a bid to mask its atrocities in the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir.
It came as Washington also categorically stated that it does not support any secession movement in the poverty-stricken province.
While replying to statements made by the Pakistani delegation on Indian-administered Kashmir during the 33rd Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, India’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative at the UN in Geneva Ajit Kumar on Wednesday brought up Balochistan.
He alleged that Pakistan systematically abused and violated the human rights of its own citizens, including in Balochistan, as well as of the people of Azad Jammu Kashmir, The Hindu reported.
The US, on the other hand, denied that it supports any bid to separate Balochistan from Pakistan. “The [US] government policy is that we support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan,” said State Department Spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday.
When asked whether the US tolerates those working from US soil to break the province off from Pakistan, Kirby reiterated his statement that Washington does not support any such movement.
Kirby spoke on the issue of Indian atrocities being committed in Kashmir and called on both India and Pakistan to work together to resolve the issue amicably.
“Our stance regarding the issue of Kashmir has not changed,” said Kirby. “Both India and Pakistan should talk to each other regarding Kashmir,” he added.
Kirby refused to comment on Pakistan taking the issue of Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir to the United Nations and instead, urged both nations to resolve the issue mutually.
Despite the Indian pressure, Pakistan is expected to focus on Kashmir inside the General Assembly, as well as in other sideline meetings, such as that of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is expected to arrive in New York on Sunday to attend the UN session and so far Kashmir is high on the list of issues he is likely to raise in his address to the General Assembly on Sept 20.
Mr Modi will not attend the General Assembly this year. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will represent him.
As foreign minister, she will speak days after Nawaz Sharif, giving India sufficient time to respond to the issues Mr Sharif will raise in his speech.
“So if Mr Sharif talks about Kashmir, he should be ready to see Balochistan raised inside the UN General Assembly,” said an Indian source familiar with the official Indian position on this dispute.
He further said that United States is fully aware of the ongoing happening in Karachi including the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) workers who had been arrested in connection with violent protests in the Karachi. He said the USA government knew about the demolition of illegally constructed political offices of MQM in the metropolis.