Pakistan said on Thursday it had agreed with the United States to have a work plan for lasting peace in Afghanistan and the rest of the region, and currently both countries were working to translate the convergence of views into the desired results.
“We evaluate Secretary of State (Hillary) Clinton’s visit positively. The visit was useful and constructive. It allowed an opportunity for in-depth discussions. It was clear during the discussions that there is broad convergence of views between the two countries at the strategic level. Both countries agreed to have a work plan in order to translate these convergences into desired results,” Foreign Office Spokeswoman Tehmina Janjua told reporters at the weekly press briefing.
When asked if Pakistan shared Clinton’s opinion that there was 95 percent convergence of views between Pakistan and the US, she said: “You would appreciate that the region faces a complex situation. Complex situations require clarity of purpose, objectivity and firm determination; and that is what both countries are willing to look at. Our purpose is to help open a new chapter of stability, prosperity and development in Afghanistan and to create a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan in a secure region.”
She also rubbished reports of China seeking military bases in Pakistan. “It is purely a fabrication and I reject it,” she said.
To a question on Kashmir, she said: “Today, as pointed out, is a Black Day being observed by the Kashmiri people. The government of Pakistan is committed to supporting the right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination.”
She said Pakistan’s position on Kashmir had been clearly stated. “Pakistan continues to discuss the Kashmir issue with India at every possible occasion. The last discussion that took place between Pakistan and India on Jammu and Kashmir was during the foreign minister-level talks held in Delhi. It is a part of the agenda of the resumed dialogue process between Pakistan and India.”
She said that President Asif Ali Zardari would hold talks with Afghan and Turkish leaders on the eve of a long-awaited conference on Afghanistan in Istanbul.
She said the president would visit Turkey on the invitation of Turkish President Abdullah Gul for bilateral discussions on 31 October. She said that on November 2, Turkey was hosting the Istanbul Regional Conference on Afghanistan. “Pakistan attaches great importance to this conference. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar will lead the Pakistan delegation to the conference,” she added.
GILANI, MANMOHAN: The spokeswoman also said the foreign offices of Pakistan and India were in touch to find a possibility of a meeting between Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh of their countries on the sidelines of the upcoming 17th SAARC Leadership Summit in Maldives.
Congratulations. These are small steps gingerly taken in the right direction. Someone once said, "There are no paths, paths are made by walking." Ms Janjua’s statement may appear at this stage as a diplomatic gobbledegook, nevertheless I am hopeful. Mutual distrust needs to be transformed into a trust based on the understanding of each other’s needs. These are very complex issues and need to be carefully handled.
Pakistan has genuine concerns which US must appreciate. It is a great country and a great nation lives here. It is just a matter of time that this will make its mark as a respectful nation amongst the comity of nations.
Whilst not compromising on its security concerns Pakistan needs to invest in the welfare of its people. These very people majority of home live just at or below the subsistence level are the bedrock of this country.
These people must be empowered by creating opportunities for growth in Pakistan.
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