ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office refrained from indulging into controversy surrounding alleged nexus between Israel and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf after Tel Aviv’s unusual outburst against Pakistan at UN Human Rights Council earlier this week.

Statement by Israel’s Permanent Representative at UN in Geneva questioning Pakistan’s human rights record and recent crackdown against political party drew strong reaction from ruling coalition.

Foreign Office’s reaction was diplomatic, but several ministers presented Israeli envoy’s remarks as proof of links between Jewish state and PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

At weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson was asked to explain as to what prompted Israel to launch broadside against Pakistan. She was particularly referring to statements given by ministers alleging nexus between Israel and PTI.

“I do not have any way to guess what prompts another government to undertake particular position. I can only comment on how Pakistan sees negative statement made in Geneva,” spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra said.

“I would not like to respond to political question. Our reaction to statement made by Israeli Permanent Representative in Geneva has been clearly articulated,” she replied when pressed if Israeli move had any link with current political situation or party. Instead she stuck to statement issued earlier by Foreign Office.

“Pakistan believes that Israel’s statement at UN Human Rights Council during Pakistan’s UPR review process was politically motivated,” Mumtaz said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 14 2023

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