Pakistan's Foreign Ministry confirms Zaid Hamid's arrest in Saudi Arabia

The FO spokesman Qazi Khalilullah during a press briefing today confirmed the arrest of Zaid Hamid, saying, “Our Embassy in Riyadh has informed us that Mr. Zaid Hamid was arrested about two weeks ago. Since then, the Embassy has been working with the local authorities to get consular access.”

He told that due to the diplomatic efforts, Hamid’s wife was able to talk to him two days ago, while she will also be able to see him on June 30.

Responding to a question regarding the recent statement of Indian Ministry of External Affairs and media leaks that China has blocked India’s attempts in a UN Sanctions Committee against Pakistan, Khalilullah said, “The statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India as well as the media reports on the matter are most unfortunate and misleading, and an attempt to politicize a purely technical issue at the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee.”

“Pakistan’s numerous efforts including past as well as ongoing extensive law enforcement operations are a major factor in weakening Al Qaida in the region,” he said. “No other country can match this level of contribution, cooperation and sacrifice towards the objective of the Security Council sanctions.”

When asked about recent BBC report on MQM, the FO spokesman said, “We have taken note of the media reports. Our concerned authorities are looking into the matter.”

He went on to say that interference in internal affairs of any country is a violation of the principles of the UN Charter.

“It is also against the norms of interstate relations and conduct. I wish to underscore that peace, security and stability of our region depends on peace, security and stability of the countries comprising the region,” Qazi Khalilullah asserted.

Pakistan fully understands and appreciates this. We, therefore, are committed to a policy of good neighborly relations. We hope India would partner with Pakistan in this mission, he added.

In response to Afghanistan’s blames on Pakistan and naming of ISI for an attack on its parliament, the spokesman said, “We reject these allegations. Such allegations have been leveled against ISI and its officials in the past as well.”

“Pakistan is a well-wisher of Afghanistan and we are committed to our relations with Afghanistan as both sides have been interacting at the highest level,” Khalilullah said. “We have said in the past and I wish to reiterate that enemies of Afghanistan are enemies of Pakistan.”

One of the principles of our relations with Afghanistan is that we will not allow our soil to be used against each other, he added.