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Pakistan Rejects Wakhan Corridor Annexation Reports, Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Implementation
Pakistan dismisses rumors of Wakhan Corridor annexation. FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan emphasizes Pakistan's respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty.#
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-16
Pakistan Rejects Wakhan Corridor Annexation Reports, Calls for Gaza Ceasefire Implementation

In his first weekly press briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan rejected claims of Pakistan’s alleged annexation of the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow mountainous strip in northeastern Afghanistan that borders China’s Xinjiang province.

“Wakhan is part of Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighboring country. We recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Khan stated. “The speculation is baseless and erroneous.”

The Wakhan Corridor, separating Tajikistan from Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, has been a topic of misinformation in recent weeks. Khan clarified Pakistan’s respect for its neighbors and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to peaceful and cooperative regional relations.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain tense due to ongoing border skirmishes and allegations that Afghanistan harbors Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. Khan acknowledged ongoing discussions with Afghan authorities to address terrorism concerns.

Pakistan on Gaza Ceasefire

On the Gaza ceasefire, the FO spokesperson called for its full and immediate implementation, expressing hope that it would lead to a lasting truce. He condemned the “indiscriminate use of force by Israeli occupation forces” and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a sovereign Palestinian state.

Khan also announced that Pakistan is prepared to send additional humanitarian aid to Gaza once relief efforts resume.

On Trump Inauguration and Islamophobia in the UK

Addressing concerns about racist rhetoric in the UK, Khan highlighted growing Islamophobia targeting the British Pakistani community. “We are deeply concerned about commentary conflating the actions of a few individuals with the entire 1.7 million British Pakistani diaspora,” he said.

He also confirmed that Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington would attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, dismissing reports of an official invitation to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Pakistan-China Relations

On a positive note, Khan highlighted the strengthening of ties between Pakistan and China during recent bilateral consultations in Beijing. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, with progress noted in CPEC-related projects.

Pakistan remains focused on fostering regional stability and addressing global challenges, while deepening its ties with key partners.
Tagged:

GazaCeasefire

ForeignRelations

PakistanAfghanistan

WakhanCorridor
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