Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi, accompanying caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on a visit to the United States for the 78th UNGA session, responded to Canada’s revelation regarding Indian government involvement in the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia and aid that “India’s terrorism in Canada is not a matter of surprise for Pakistan.”
During a media briefing at the Pakistan mission in the United Nations, he highlighted that Pakistan did not find Canada’s allegations unusual, as Pakistan had previously arrested Indian naval officer Kulbhushan Yadav, an operative of the Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), in Balochistan in March 2016. Yadav was later sentenced to death after being found guilty of espionage and terror activities aimed at destabilizing Pakistan.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the revelation about Indian government involvement during an emergency session of the assembly, leading Pakistan to express its acknowledgment of the allegations.
Foreign Secretary Qazi emphasized Pakistan’s awareness of Indian activities, especially in the context of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where he accused New Delhi of committing state terrorism.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, the foreign secretary mentioned that Kashmir and other issues would be discussed during his address to the UN General Assembly. He also highlighted cordial meetings between the Prime Minister and the Iranian president, as well as important sideline meetings involving the foreign minister.
