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Published 15 Dec, 2016 05:37pm

FO condemns Rajnath's statements, terms them violation of international norms

The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday strongly condemned Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh's "irresponsible statements" earlier this week, terming them a 'complete violation of international norms', Radio Pakistan reported.

According to Indian media, Rajnath Singh had said Pakistan would "soon be in ten pieces" if cross-border terrorism does not come to an end.

"Pakistan has been divided into 2 countries (in 1971). If it does not stop cross-border terrorism, it will soon be in 10 pieces," Singh had said.

Read more: Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan of 1971-like consequences

FO Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria alleged Singh's remarks vindicated Pakistan's long-standing position that the Indian government and its intelligence agencies are involved in subversive activities in Pakistan and are trying to destabilise it.

He called on the world community to take notice of Singh's "irresponsible statements", as well as alleged Indian interference in Pakistan.

Zakaria said Pakistan believes the peaceful way is the best method for resolution of outstanding issues between Pakistan and India, including the Kashmir dispute.

Indus Waters Treaty

Zakaria confirmed Pakistan had received the World Bank's letter announcing a pause on arbitration between India and Pakistan regarding India's construction of two dams on the Chenab River.

He said that consultations on the matter are ongoing.

The WB had explained the pause saying: "Both processes initiated by the respective countries were advancing at the same time, creating a risk of contradictory outcomes that could potentially endanger the Treaty."

Read more: World Bank pauses dam arbitration to 'protect Indus Waters Treaty'

'Foreign powers trying to sabotage Afghan peace process'

The FO spokesperson said evidence has been found of foreign involvement in attempts to sabotage the Afghan peace process.

Pakistan has always helped Afghanistan and has hosted more than three million refugees despite its depleting resources, he said.

He claimed that all prominent terrorists killed were based in Afghanistan. All evidence and contacts linked to the Haqqani Network were found in Afghanistan, Zakaria alleged.

The FO spokesperson rejected claims of Daesh ─ another name for the militant Islamic State group ─ operating in Pakistan.

"Claims that Daesh is operating in Pakistan are not proof, and should not be treated as such," he stressed.

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