Pakistan blasts "ill-advised" US Congressional hearing on Balochistan

Pakistan Ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman has strongly condemned a US Congressional hearing on Balochistan, and termed it as an "ill-advised" move that could damage bilateral ties between both countries.

A Pakistan Embassy spokesman in Washington said that Rehman raised the issue of an exclusive hearing on Balochistan by US House Committee on Foreign Affairs in her meetings with the members of Congress and senior officials of the US administration.

According to the spokesman, Rehman said that the government of Pakistan strongly rejects the purpose and findings of the hearing and considers it an "ill-advised and ill-considered" move that will have serious repercussions for Pakistan-US relations, The Express Tribune reports.

"Balochistan is an integral part of the Pakistan. Pakistan is a democracy conducting itself in accordance with the international law," the spokesman quoted Rehman, as saying.

"The government is strongly committed to protecting the fundamental rights and freedom in all parts of Pakistan, including Balochistan, and has initiated an extensive programme of constitutional and other reforms to empower all citizens in the continuing consolidation of democracy," the ambassador added.

She said that the hearing was marked by a "blatant disregard for the history of the issue and manipulated selective facts".

"It is deeply regrettable that the legislature of a country that calls itself a friend of Pakistan allowed itself to be used as a platform for advocating the dismemberment of Pakistan and provided justification to terrorists attempting to hold Balochistan, and Pakistan, hostage," she said.

"Pakistan views this hearing with a serious concern and considers it unacceptable. This kind of an exercise constitutes interference in Pakistan's internal affairs. The hearing will be detrimental to mutual trust and confidence," Rehman added. (ANI)