Pakistan has invited all heads of government from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the upcoming Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting in Islamabad from October 15 to 16.
During a weekly news briefing, Baloch clarified that Pakistan currently does not maintain trade relations with India. She also responded to queries about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement that it would be inappropriate for the host country to exclude any member state from the invitation list, emphasizing that the SCO expects inclusivity from the host nation.
Earlier in the week, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied media reports suggesting that PM Modi would not attend the SCO summit. The MEA advised against speculation regarding his participation, clarifying that authorities had not made an official decision.
Baloch reiterated that the international community recognizes Jammu and Kashmir as disputed territories. She highlighted that United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions mandate resolving the dispute through a UN-supervised referendum that reflects the will of the Kashmiri people. She emphasized that no alternative process could replace the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Read: PM Shehbaz Sharif Congratulates Narendra Modi on Third Term as India’s Prime Minister
On the topic of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch stated that Pakistan has no intentions of engaging in talks with the outlawed group. She cited multiple international reports, including those from the United Nations, confirming the presence of terror groups like the TTP in Afghanistan. Baloch called on Afghan authorities to take decisive action against these groups to safeguard Pakistan’s security.
Last month, Islamabad declared that dialogue with the TTP was not feasible due to their involvement in the killing of Pakistanis and foreigners. This stance comes as the federal government has ramped up its national counter-terrorism efforts through the initiative “Azm-e-Istehkam” (Resolve for Stability) launched in June to intensify actions against militants.
When discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Baloch described it as a transformational project that has made a transparent and positive impact on Pakistan’s national development. She noted that CPEC is widely supported across all provinces and the political spectrum in Pakistan. She added that Pakistan’s public debt related to CPEC projects represents a minor fraction of its total debt and that loans from China feature longer maturity periods and low interest rates. Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the security of all Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions.
Read: PM Modi Praises Neeraj Chopra’s Silver Medal Win and His Mother’s Gesture Toward Arshad Nadeem
