FO calls the claims of an acid assault against Shahzad Akbar “preposterous”

On Thursday, Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch dismissed as “preposterous” the accusations made against Pakistani institutions by Shahzad Akbar, advisor to former premier Imran Khan.

The spokesperson described Akbar’s charges as “baseless and politically motivated” during her weekly news briefing.

Baloch underlined Pakistan’s dedication to the protection of its citizens overseas and refuted any policy intended to harm them. She emphasized that, “despite some maintaining links with terrorist entities in Pakistan,” Pakistan has not engaged in extraterritorial operations against prominent political dissidents in the United Kingdom.

Acbar has filed a lawsuit against the Pakistani government, claiming that he was left “scarred” by an alleged acid assault in England last year. He has served legal paperwork to the Pakistan High Commission in London, alleging government complicity and identifying many officials as the attack’s perpetrators.

At the Asma Jahangir Conference in Lahore, Baloch denounced the mistreatment of German Ambassador Alfred Grannas, calling the event “deplorable.”

Grannas’ lecture was interrupted by pro-Palestine demonstrators who said that Germany was restricting free speech because of Israel’s attack on Gaza while “lecturing” others on the value of free speech.

“Pardon me, Mr. Ambassador,” a protestor yelled at the envoy. The idea of talking about civil rights while your nation is being accused of using violence against Palestinians disgusts me.

The audience cheered and applauded as echoes of solidarity for Gaza and Palestine rippled throughout the auditorium. The air was filled with chants of “From the River to the Sea” and “Free, Free Palestine.”

The German ambassador lost control as a result of the young people’s passionate statements and chastised them, stating,

“Yelling is not a conversation. If you want to yell, go outside. Disgrace to you.

Nonetheless, the FO spokesman denounced Israel for its activities in the West Bank, describing them as both obstacles to a two-state solution and breaches of international law. She underlined Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state and asked the international community to stop Israel from committing new atrocities.

She also brought up the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to the Gambia for the Council of Foreign Ministers and the OIC Summit. Pakistan intends to discuss a number of international issues, such as the rights of Kashmiris and the Gaza crisis. Pakistan will stress how important it is for Muslim countries to stand together and unite.

Regarding Kashmir, the spokesman denounced the Indian government’s drive to take possession of assets belonging to Kashmiris in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The spokeswoman denounced India’s colonial tactics in the area and restated Pakistan’s support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.