ISLAMABAD: Pakistan does not “subscribe to the opinion” expressed by a trial court judge regarding the designation of certain countries as “terrorist states,” the Foreign Office (FO) said on Thursday, stressing that no such classification exists under the United Nations or international law.
Responding to a question during his weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the observation made by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka reflected the judge’s personal view. “Pakistan, of course, does not subscribe to this opinion. Frankly, this kind of designation does not exist either under the United Nations or under international law,” he said.
In his verdict convicting lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hari and her spouse, Hadi Ali Chattha, Judge Majoka had stated that four countries—Cuba, the Democratic Republic of Korea, Iran, and Syria—were currently designated as terrorist states, while noting that Pakistan was not included in such a list. The UN, however, does not maintain any list of “terrorist states,” though the UN Security Council does keep a consolidated sanctions list of individuals and entities.
Imaan and Hadi were sentenced on January 24 under sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including glorification of an offense, cyberterrorism, and dissemination of false information. They were handed a cumulative 17-year prison term and fined Rs36 million.
Asked about concerns raised by the European Union over the convictions, Andrabi said the matter was a domestic issue. “The trial and conviction took place under our local laws through a judicial process. The individuals concerned have the right to appeal and judicial recourse,” he said, adding that while Pakistan remained engaged with the EU, it distinguished between dialogue and internal affairs.
Pakistan urges diplomacy on Iran-US tensions
Responding to a separate question on rising Iran-US tensions, the FO spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing position in favour of peace and dialogue. He said Islamabad opposed interference in Iran’s internal affairs, the use of force, and the imposition of sanctions.
Andrabi noted that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had recently held telephone conversations with his Iranian counterpart and that Pakistani officials also engaged with US representatives at the World Economic Forum. “This region cannot afford war and turmoil, which undermine economic development and prosperity,” he said.
Board of Peace
Addressing multiple questions on the US-led Board of Peace, Andrabi dismissed reports suggesting the Foreign Office had advised against Pakistan signing the charter. “This news is incorrect,” he said.
He explained that Pakistan joined the Board of Peace in good faith with three objectives: sustaining the Gaza ceasefire, supporting reconstruction, and advancing a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian right to self-determination. He added that seven other Muslim countries were also part of the initiative.
Describing the board as a “glimmer of hope,” Andrabi said existing UN mechanisms had failed to halt the suffering in Gaza despite Security Council deadlock, International Court of Justice opinions and General Assembly resolutions.
He clarified that joining the board had no connection to the Abraham Accords and did not replace the United Nations. Pakistan, he said, had also not decided to contribute troops to the proposed International Stabilisation Force.
The spokesperson added that Pakistan’s participation followed consultations with all stakeholders and completion of procedural requirements under the Rules of Business. He said Islamabad hoped the initiative would lead to a permanent ceasefire, expanded humanitarian aid, reconstruction of Gaza and progress towards an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
He further noted that representation at board meetings would depend on the level of engagement, and that membership was for a three-year term without permanent or non-permanent categories.
