ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch disclosed on Friday that Pakistan is actively communicating with the United States regarding its energy requirements.
During her weekly media briefing in Islamabad, the spokesperson acknowledged the US statement concerning Pakistan’s expressed interest in obtaining energy from Iran.
Earlier this week, a State Department representative cautioned Islamabad about the “potential risk of sanctions” in light of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan.
“We advise anyone considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential risk of sanctions,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Baloch countered by highlighting the existing cooperation for trade on a preferential basis between Pakistan and Iran to meet Pakistan’s vital needs. She noted that discussions during President Raisi’s three-day visit included the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline and were reflected in the subsequent joint statement. Both nations deliberated on energy and electricity trade, she elaborated.
In a 28-point joint statement on April 24, Pakistan and Iran reaffirmed the significance of energy cooperation and electricity trade, despite hints from the United States regarding potential sanctions post-Raisi’s visit.
Following the Iranian president’s departure for Tehran from Karachi, the FO issued a joint statement outlining bilateral agreements, including plans related to the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project.
Baloch also disclosed ongoing discussions with Iran regarding a free trade agreement, remarking on the politicization of export control.
The FO spokesperson noted discussions on the trade route between Gwadar and Chabahar ports with the Iranian president, underscoring the robust bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran.
Regarding Israel’s actions in Palestine, Baloch condemned Israel’s aggression and advocated for international investigation into Palestinians’ suffering under the apartheid state. She affirmed Pakistan and Iran’s unified stance on Gaza and Kashmir issues.
She dismissed the “2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices” by the US State Department, criticizing the methodology employed in its preparation.
