ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan on Monday dismissed as “baseless, irresponsible and provocative” the allegations of its involvement in Dhaka’s terrorist attack.
Responding to media queries regarding the “highly regrettable” provocative stories in the Indian media, the Foreign Office Spokesman said, “They are utterly baseless and unfounded. Pakistan strongly rejects such allegations.”
The Spokesman drew attention to the statement of Adviser to the Prime Minster of Bangladesh Prof Gowher Rizvi, who refuted the Indian media story attributed to him regarding Pakistan’s involvement as “utter nonsense” and said it was a proof of the Indian media’s malicious intent.
He quoted Rizvi as saying he never issued any statement or spoke to any TV channel on this issue.
Prof Rizvi contacted the Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh to confirm that he has not issued any statement against Pakistan and that the Indian media reports were false, the Foreign Office said.
He also advised the Pakistan’s High Commissioner to convey this clarification to the Government of Pakistan, to avoid any misunderstanding between the two countries.
“Pakistan deeply appreciates Prof Gowher’s timely rebuttal to the Indian media’s reports.”
The Spokesman said Pakistan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Dhaka and expressed solidarity with the Government and the brotherly people of Bangladesh and offered condolences and sympathized with the families of the victims.
He said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“Being itself one of the biggest victims of terrorism, Pakistan welcomes Prof Gowher Rizvi’s call for international cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism.”
