US distances itself from congressional hearing over Balochistan issue

The US State Department has distanced itself from a congressional hearing on Balochistan and opposed the idea of independent Balochistan, adding that the problems of the province should be resolved through peaceful and political means.

State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said the US administration had not changed its policy and continued to see Balochistan as part of the Pakistani state.

"What is the US administration's position on this? Do you support the demand for an independent Balochistan carved out of Pakistan?" The Dawn quoted Nuland, as saying.

"Our view on Balochistan has not changed. We are aware of this hearing. As you know, Congress holds hearings on many foreign affairs topics. These hearings don't necessarily imply that the US government endorses one view or another view. I'd underscore that the State Department is not participating or involved in this hearing," she added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has said that it has conveyed its concerns to America about a discussion on Balochistan by a US Senate Committee.

"We have conveyed our concern in Islamabad and Washington on the issue of discussion on Balochistan by US Senate Foreign Relations' Committee and expressed our feelings," the Daily Times quoted Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit, as saying.

The spokesman, while referring to the statement of the US State Department, said that it had explained that the US government had nothing to do with this briefing.

"We believe that Washington fully understands our position on this issue," he added. (ANI)