Pakistan says US aid suspension under review

Pakistan is reviewing the recent U.S. presidential order regarding aid suspension, Foreign Affairs ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated during the weekly briefing on Thursday. He emphasized that Pakistan and the U.S. have collaborated on various programs across multiple sectors for years and remain in contact with American officials regarding financial assistance.

Regarding the aid suspension, Khan clarified that U.S. assistance has been halted for all countries for a 90-day period. He noted that American aid has supported several sectors in Pakistan, and ongoing projects continue to benefit from past collaborations.

Addressing broader U.S.-Pakistan relations, Khan highlighted Pakistan's commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties. He refrained from commenting on U.S.-India relations, asserting that Pakistan's ties with the United States remain strong. Khan also stated he was unaware of tweets by former U.S. official Richard Grenell.

On recent American business delegations, Khan explained these visits are routine, involving well-established business professionals. The visits were not facilitated through the Foreign Office, he noted, advising that questions about the delegations and their assessments of Pakistan's business environment should be directed to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

Wide-ranging discussion

Regarding security matters, Khan reiterated Pakistan's concerns about U.S. weapons in Afghanistan, stating Pakistan has concrete evidence of their use in terrorist activities within its borders. Pakistan has raised this issue on multiple international platforms and urges Afghanistan to take effective measures to prevent weapons misuse.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively coordinating the repatriation of 22 Pakistani survivors from a maritime incident near Morocco's Dakhla port. Following extensive investigations and collaboration with Moroccan authorities, these individuals are returning in phases, with the first group already arrived in Islamabad via two flights.

In diplomatic developments, Khan announced Pakistan and Qatar will hold bilateral political consultations in Doha on February 5, led by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister. He also disclosed that 770 Pakistani nationals are currently detained in Indian jails.

Pakistan categorically rejects news reports aimed at undermining Pakistan-China relations, Khan stated, reaffirming Pakistan's steadfast commitment to the One-China Policy as a fundamental pillar of its foreign policy.

The spokesperson concluded by condemning both an attack on a Saudi hospital in Sudan and Israeli actions in the West Bank.