Pakistan keenly watching tariff issue: FO

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan says it is keenly watching the issue of tariff that the United States has imposed on world capitals including Pakistan, especially the latest policy of the Trump Administration where many countries have been granted a 90-day suspension from these tariffs.

“These tariffs remain under high level attention within the government, and we continue to assess and monitor the situation, and we will share as more information is relevant and available,” said the spokesperson at the Foreign Office.

He said that tariff is an important issue and the government is following it including the statement released by the US government on Wednesday regarding suspending tariffs on most of the countries. “This issue is under active consideration, and we will keep you informed of any further developments,” said the spokesperson at the Foreign Office. When asked to comment specifically on the “tariff war” between the United States and China where Washington has levelled 125 percent tariffs on China, he responded that Pakistan has close fraternal ties with China. “We hope for a swift and mutually beneficial resolution of this issue,” he said.

Specifically on tariffs on Pakistan, the spokesperson said that the Foreign Office was following the developments. “The prime minister has constituted a steering committee and a working group to examine fresh tariffs and formulate a response. Ministry of Commerce may be consulted in this regard for further details,” he said.

He also pointed to the US scholarship exchange programmes, and the recent discontinuation of global undergraduate exchange programme between Pakistan and the United States marked the end of 15-year initiative that played a pivotal role in academic and cultural enrichment of thousands of Pakistani students. To a query regarding reports about student visa cancelations, he said that the Foreign Office is seeking details from its missions in the US and will respond accordingly.

The spokesperson was asked about Tahawar Rana, a Canadian of Pakistan origin who has been extradited to India from the US and is accused of being a financer of the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai. “On the Tahawar Rana issue, we have conveyed our position regarding his Canadian nationality. As far as our record indicates, he did not even apply for renewal for his Pakistani origin documents for the last two decades,” he responded.

To several queries on Afghanistan, the spokesperson made it clear that even though it remains an important bilateral relationship for Pakistan but a major roadblock remains related to the security situation and the sanctuaries enjoyed by the terrorists. “Recently, Special Representative’s visit to Kabul was very successful and certain understandings have been reached in terms of the follow-up action,” he said.

Commenting on the return of Afghans to Afghanistan, he explained that illegal foreign repatriation plan is consistent with Pakistan’s obligation under international law and its domestic legal framework. “We are engaged with relevant UN bodies for the protection of people in vulnerable situations, and our legal safeguards and remedies remain functional and effective to address any complaints. We are ensuring IFRPs alignment with international human rights and humanitarian norms and in coordination with all relevant partners”, he added.

The Foreign Office could not officially confirm an announcement by the UAE Ambassador to Pakistan who announced in Karachi that it has lifted a visa ban on Pakistanis and will now issue 5-year visas to Pakistani citizens. However, he pointed out that there was no official ban on visa for Pakistanis.

Commenting on the recently announced Waqf Amendment Act by the Indian government, the spokesperson said that Pakistan strongly believes it is an infringement on the religious and economic rights of the Indian Muslims.

Pakistan reaffirms full support to the upcoming high-level international conference for the peaceful settlement of question of Palestine and the implementation of two-state solution. “We commend France and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for co-chairing the preparatory consultations for the June 2025 Conference. We sincerely hope that the June Conference will rise to the occasion and restore hope in peace and justice through meaningful action,” said the spokesperson.