Pakistan ‘not joining any new bloc’, says DG ISPR

ISLAMABAD: DG ISPR Major General Iftikhar Babar said Thursday that Pakistan was “not joining any new bloc” dismissing allegations that the country was looking to align itself with Russia or another bloc.

“Let me assure you we are absolutely fine with all our neighbours in the region and our relationship with all our countries we have been engaged with is absolutely fine.

“There is no specific re-alignment as such but yes, the world has become much more inter-connected, much more inter-dependent and much more diverse and that’s what this is all about,” he said.

DG ISPR terms relations with Saudi Arabia ‘historic’

Responding to a question from a journalist, the DG ISPR said that Pakistan is proud of its historic relations with its “brotherly country” Saudi Arabia.

“These relations are historic, very important, have always been excellent and will remain so. There should be no doubt of this,” he said.

He said that nobody should “doubt the centrality of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Muslim world” adding that the people of Pakistan’s hearts beat with the hearts of the people of Saudi Arabia. He said the purpose of Gen Bajwa’s visit to Saudi Arabia was a planned tour to enhance military-to-military engagements.

Pakistan only abiding by international rules, no deal made on Jadhav, says DG ISPR

Speaking about captured Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav, Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar refuted speculation that the country had made any deal for him.

“Let me assure you we are only abiding by the international rules and regulations on the subject. There is no doubt that Kulbhushan Jadhav is a terrorist who has shed Pakistani blood of innocent lives.

“He is a specific case. After the Second World War for the first time, a serving officer of any country has been found involved in terrorist activities in another country,” Maj Gen Iftikhar said.

He said the provision of consular access is the requirement of the laws of the International Court of Justice. “Whatever the talk of the town, as if we are trying to enter some sort of deal on that, absolutely not. Absolutely not. We are just fulfilling international obligations. That’s it. Period.”