Haqqani has no diplomatic immunity in Pakistan: Foreign Office

Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said no ambassador has diplomatic immunity in his home country, and that Hussain Haqqani is no exception to that rule.

Refusing to answer further questions on Haqqani at the FO’s weekly briefing, the spokesman said: “The country’s visa policy is made by the interior ministry. Any question related to Hussain Haqqani and visa policies should be directed towards the interior ministry.”

Speaking on the issue of cross-border terrorism, Zakaria highlighted the importance of border management. “Better cross-border management can prevent the Pak-Afghan border from becoming a source of terrorism. Pakistan and Afghanistan must work together [in this regard].”

The spokesman further said that Kulbhushan Yadav’s presence and arrest in Pakistan was proof of Indian interference. “The whole world is aware of India’s interference in Pakistan and the fact that they are involved in funding terrorism in the country.” He added.

Nafees Zakaria also expressed the government’s concerns regarding Jinnah House in Mumbai, stating that the Indian government needs to respect the “importance” the house holds for Pakistan.

“We have clarified our position on the Jinnah House matter to the Indian government,” the spokesman added.

On Monday, A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, had demanded that the residence be demolished and a cultural centre built in its place.

Lodha, who is a property magnate in Mumbai, said: “The Jinnah residence in south Mumbai was the place from where the conspiracy of partition was hatched.”

“Jinnah House is a symbol of the partition. The structure should be demolished,” he said.

The demand came in the wake of the Indian Parliament passing controversial amendments to the Enemy Property Act, 1968 earlier this month that are expected to pave the way for seizure of properties held by people who fled the country.

Source: Dawn