Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday denied having any information regarding reports of its citizens travelling to Israel, stating that investigations into the matter were ongoing.
Addressing a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said the government was gathering information on reports of Pakistanis visiting Israel.
He added that any comment on the situation would be made once details were confirmed.
Khan strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military strikes in Gaza and Khan Younis, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance against the violence.
Speaking on national security, he said Pakistan’s missile and defence capabilities were solely for the country’s security and stability.
He emphasised that the country’s nuclear programme was “completely secure and invulnerable,” with missile capabilities serving as a deterrent.
Dismissing speculation about US entry restrictions for Pakistanis, Khan stated that the US State Department had already denied such reports.
He also commented on Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires being summoned recently, clarifying that such diplomatic engagements were routine.
Regarding border control, Khan confirmed that Pakistan’s deadline for Afghan refugee repatriation remained unchanged. He added that the Torkham border had been reopened and would remain operational until April 15, with a long-term resolution under discussion.
On human smuggling concerns, the spokesperson denied any involvement of Foreign Office officials, adding that a fact-finding committee had been set up to investigate related social media claims.
Meanwhile, he confirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and expressed gratitude for the kingdom’s continued support.
Khan also criticised India’s silence on the recent attack on the Jaffer Express train in Pakistan, stating that New Delhi’s involvement in cross-border terrorism was evident.
