Islamabad - Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam Thursday said Pakistan was investigating the claims regarding use of Indian weapons in attack on the Jinnah International Airport Karachi and that Pakistan did not have a habit of leveling allegations without investigation or evidence.
"Investigations are underway and we are not in the habit of making allegations without proper investigations. Terrorism is an issue that Pakistan and India discuss in their official interactions," she added.
When asked whether Pakistan had taken up with Afghan government the issue of cross border movement of Uzbeks and other militants belonging to Central Asian Republics as well as cross border attacks, the spokesperson said these issues are discussed on regular basis adding that presence of foreigners in Pakistani tribal areas have a background of 30 years and they still move to and fro.
"Obviously, terrorism is posing threat to all the countries. This is a menace, which harms our people and our interests. This is a subject that is discussed when leaders meet," she added. To a question about steps being taken by Pakistan on its border with Afghanistan for the second phase of the Afghan Presidential elections slated for June 14, the spokesperson said Pakistan supported a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan.
She said these elections were a milestone in the democratic journey of the Afghan people and that Pakistan congratulated the government and people of Afghanistan on this achievement.
"We reiterate that these elections are an Afghan affair, with the Afghan electoral institutions in the lead. They bear a heavy responsibility, and we wish them well in accomplishing their task successfully. We also hope that the voters would once again demonstrate their firm resolve and exercise their right to determine their future through democratic means, in an optimal way," she told reporters.
She said Pakistan remained committed to supporting efforts for a free and peaceful electoral process. "On the eve of the first round on 5 April 2014, Pakistan had taken special steps to beef up security along the border and our authorities are taking additional measures for the second round of elections, including by retaining additional troops for this purpose," she said.
"The measures include enhanced vigilance and security along the border, enhanced patrolling in close border/border crossing areas, enhanced checking by immigration staff, enhanced communication through existing coordination and cooperation mechanism, and availability of hotline contact with Afghan counterparts," she added.
"As a close neighbor and fraternal nation, Pakistan stands committed to supporting the Afghan people in every possible way in their quest for peace and progress," she added. On the visit of President of Maldives to Pakistan, the spokesperson said that visit would be rescheduled at mutually acceptable dates.
Commenting on Pakistan's talks with Russian Federation for acquisition of weapons, the spokesperson said that there were discussions underway for procurements in the context of Pakistan’s fight against terrorism.
The spokesperson also stated that efforts were underway for the recovery of abducted Chinese national, adding, that it was priority of the government that he must be recovered safe and sound at the earliest.