Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday said Pakistan was against an arms race in the South Asia. Commenting on the recently signed arms deal between Russia and India, the spokesperson told journalists that anything which could initiate a nuclear or conventional arms race would not augur well for the future of the region.
Answering a question regarding granting India Most Favored Nation (MFN) status, Khan said the government had decided in principle to grant the MFN status to India and were currently undergoing internal processes which were expected to be completed soon. The spokesperson said Pakistan considered Kashmir a disputed territory and was committed for a just and peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolutions and the aspirations of Kashmiri people. Regarding the relationship between Pakistan and US, Khan said we saw ups and downs in our relations in 2012 but now most of these issues have been resolved.
“Both countries want to strengthen their multifaceted relations. The leadership of both countries has made it clear that peace and stability in Afghanistan is in their common interest,” he added.
He said Pakistan had reiterated support for any initiative that can result in an all inclusive political reconciliation led by the Afghans themselves.
When questioned about the involvement of foreign nationals in Peshawar airport attack, the spokesman said terrorism and extremism were a paramount concern to Pakistan.
“We are putting in all possible efforts to address this menace. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and we are interacting with all countries to collectively wipe out the threat posed by the menace. But I want to make it clear that the Taliban did not request to open an office in Pakistan,” he said.
