The US State Department affirmed on Thursday that there is “absolutely no” underlying tension between the United States and Pakistan, despite recent sanctions imposed on companies accused of supplying missile components to Islamabad.
In response to the US State Department’s Human Rights Report, which raised concerns about Pakistan’s human rights situation, the Foreign Office dismissed the assessment as “unfair and politically motivated,” criticizing its lack of objectivity.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized that Pakistan remains a crucial partner in the region, highlighting ongoing cooperation in security and trade sectors. Patel noted recent consultations between the Pakistani finance minister and State Department officials in Washington, underscoring the importance of the robust relationship and efforts to enhance it.
Regarding the sanctions imposed on certain entities, Patel clarified that these actions were taken due to concerns related to weapons proliferation rather than specific issues with Pakistan’s missile program.
In response to the US Human Rights Report, the Foreign Office criticized the methodology of such reports, alleging political bias and lack of objectivity. The report highlighted numerous human rights violations in Pakistan, including unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on freedoms of expression and media.
The Foreign Office expressed disappointment that the report overlooked critical human rights situations in other parts of the world, such as Gaza and Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, suggesting political motivations behind the report’s focus and conclusions.
