ISLAMABAD: During a media briefing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they were not aware of Pakistani nationals working in association with the Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi led militant movement, Islamic State (IS), in Iraq.

"Reports about IS in Pakistan's tribal areas are not correct and Pakistani forces are fighting against terrorists and this fight is in the middle of its success," Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said.

However, a small group of activists belonging to the IS, which is led by an Afghan national, has distributed a booklet in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal areas, particularly in Afghan refugee camps.

Also read: IS literature circulated in parts of KP

The booklet calls upon people to support the IS which has occupied large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria.

It says the caliphate declared in parts of Iraq and Syria will expand to Khurasan, comprising Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries.


Chinese President's visit on schedule


Aslam also confirmed Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan was on schedule, and that dates of the visit were under discussion.

Also read: Chinese president’s visit on schedule

"China is Pakistan's best friend and this visit would further cement this relationship between the two countries", the FO spokesperson said.

Earlier, a high-level Chinese delegation comprising security and protocol of the President Jinping had arrived in the capital to finalise the dates of his visit.

According to our sources, the Chinese delegation had agreed that the Chinese president’s two-day visit would be from 14th to 16th September.

In case the sit-ins continues in the capital, there may be a possibility of shifting some of the meetings to Lahore, sources said.

Opinion

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...