US says it does not support freedom for Balochistan

September 13, 2016 08:02

The US respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and does not support independence for Balochistan, a state department official has said.

"The government policy is that we support the territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," State Department Spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference yesterday.

Kirby was responding to a question on growing clarion calls from both inside and outside Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province on its independence and violation of human rights by the Pakistani security forces there.

"Where does the US stand on Balochistan? Because Indian prime minister (Narendra Modi) has raised this subject," Kirby was asked.

"The US government respects the unity and territorial integrity of Pakistan and we do not support independence for Balochistan," he reiterated.

In his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 70th Independence Day, Modi talked about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit and Balochistan and said people from there have thanked him for raising their issues.

While on the subject, do read why Modi's speech is a game-changer, here.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Remarks on modern medicine: SC asks Ramdev to...

The Patna and Raipur chapters of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) have lodged complaints in 2021 alleging Ramdev's remarks were likely to cause prejudice to Covid control mechanism and may dissuade people from availing proper...

Set for emotional homecoming, can Rishabh Pant & Co. overcome Sunrisers test?

He walked on crutches in one of his first public appearances at Feroz Shah Kotla last year, but when an emotional Rishabh Pant walks out as captain of Delhi Capitals, he will need to put on his 'out of box' thinking cap to stop a...

Crude realisation: Oil's slick grip threatens corporate margins, profits

Corporate margins and profits in India remain vulnerable to changes in crude oil prices in the international market. Historical quarterly data from listed companies (excluding banks, finance and insurance, oil and gas, and power...

Phase 1: 40% turnout till 1 pm; stray violence reported in Bengal

Minor EVM glitches were reported at some booths in Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Assam.

Anything can happen to Kejriwal in jail: AAP

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh Friday reiterated his party's allegation that a deep conspiracy is being hatched against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and anything can happen with him in prison.