India trying to destabilise Pakistan: FO
ISLAMABAD, Sept 4: Foreign Office on Monday accused India of trying to destabilise Pakistan. Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said that Afghan territory was being used for such activities. However, she said that the Afghan government was not involved in “any destabilising” activity.
Terming Indian allegations against Pakistan about cross-border activities false, she said that Pakistan did not support terrorism. “Pakistan is a victim of terrorism,” she said.
It had a record of fighting terrorism in collaboration with the international community, she added.
The spokesperson said a neutral expert was likely to decide about the Baglihar dam issue by the end of 2006.
President Musharraf and Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh might meet in Havana during the Non-Aligned Movement summit this month, Ms Aslam said.
“Since both leaders will be there, it has become possible that they may meet. They may discuss the peace process and all related issues,” she added.
EXTRADITION REQUEST: She said that the ministry of interior was processing a request of the United Kingdom for extradition of Raashid Rauf.
She said that the two countries were also negotiating an extradition treaty.
KABUL VISIT: She also said President Pervez Musharraf would visit Afghanistan at the invitation of President Hamid Karzai, the spokesperson said.
“Currently arrangements are being made and while I cannot talk about the exact date of president’s visit, I can confirm to you that yes, the visit is taking place,” Ms Aslam said.
Ms Aslam rejected suggestions that President Musharraf was visiting Afghanistan only to curry favour with Washington ahead of a meeting next month with US President George W. Bush.
“Good relations, strong relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan are too important for both countries to be fostered or strengthened for the sake of any third party,” she said.
IRAQ SHOOTINGS: The spokesperson said that 14 women and a child, who survived the recent shootings by Iraqi insurgents, would return to Pakistan via Dubai on Sept 11, adding that they were currently staying in Karbala.
She said that there was no change in Pakistan’s position about not contributing troops to Iraq.—Agencies