Pakistan has longstanding, cordial relations with UK: FO

Celina Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday dismissed recent social media speculation suggesting that the country has reservations about the British High Commissioner jane Marriott in Islamabad.

This came after a series of questions raised by journalists during a news briefing, where the Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s longstanding and cordial relations with the United Kingdom.

The spokesperson was asked about the ongoing social media campaign against the British High Commissioner, suggesting that Pakistan might be considering to send her back.

The spokesperson responded firmly, stating, “As you know very well, we do not comment on social media speculation. Secondly, Pakistan has long-term and cordial relations with the United Kingdom. These relations are based in history and reinforced by regular high-level interactions and strong people-to-people contacts.”

The speculation gained further traction following comments from Najam Sethi, a prominent analyst and journalist, who, in his program, alleged that the British High Commissioner had engaged with various Pakistani politicians, possibly advocating for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Another journalist raised this point, questioning whether these interactions had been brought to the notice of the Pakistani government.

Reiterating the official stance, the spokesperson declined to engage in speculation, stating, “As I said earlier, I would not engage in commentary on media speculation.”