By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan
Unnerved by Egypt’s strong reaction, Pakistan said Thursday its condemnation of death penalty to Egypt’s first democratically elected President Mohamed Morsi was in accordance with international principles.
Islamabad last week opposed the death penalty to Morsi and his over 100 supporters by an Egyptian court, calling it a “tragedy for democracy”.
Responding fervently to Pakistan’s reaction, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s envoy in Cairo on Tuesday and termed Islamabad’s statement as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“Our statement on the death sentence given to the former Egyptian President was based on internationally recognized principles,” Pakistani Foreign Office Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said in response to a question on Egypt’s reaction.
“However, I would like to underscore that relations between the people of Pakistan and the people of Egypt are deep-rooted in history, culture and shared values. We are confident that the fraternal bonds existing between the peoples of Pakistan and Egypt would be further strengthened in the days to come,” he said.
The foreign office spokesperson also rejected a statement by NATO commander of foreign forces in Afghanistan, John Campbell, who said Saturday that Daesh was actively recruiting in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“There is no footprint of ISIL in Pakistan. The people of Pakistan have no ideological, ethnic or linguistic affinities with the organization and its members. However, we have seen some pamphlets and wall-chalking,” Khalilullah said.
“That is no proof of presence of ISIL in Pakistan. Nevertheless, we are cognizant of the threat ISIL poses. Our security agencies are aware of this threat and will take appropriate measures if needed,” he added.
