Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that Washington’s foreign policies have failed to ensure peace in the region, adding that peace and stability in Afghanistan is imperative for peace in the region.
“People of this region had to bear the brunt of US policies which have failed to ensure peace,” said the minister while taking to reporters at the Institute of Strategic Studies.
He said no country should interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.
“The situation has worsened because of interference of a super power. The problems of the region should be dealt with within the region,” he emphasised.
He said Dai’sh was created to fight against the Syrian government and now the region was suffering because of US’s “failed foreign policy”.
Replying to a question, the minister said the Pakistan Army was carrying out military offensive against terrorists without any discrimination.
“Expressing doubts over the sacrifices rendered by our security forces is deplorable,” the minister said, announces that “Pakistan will buy Russian arms to use in the fight against terrorism”.
PAKISTAN WANTS TO TALK TO INDIA:
Asif stressed the need of Pak-India dialogue to resolve mutual disputes, clarifying that Islamabad wanted cordial relationship with New Delhi “but on the grounds of dignity and equality”.
The minister expressed the hope that the SAARC Summit in Nepal would help Pakistan and India to forge better relations and de-escalate tensions.
“Pakistan desires peace with India but its desire should not be taken as a weakness,” he said.
“Unprovoked firing by Indian forces across the Line of Control in the disputed Kashmir valley does not augur well for peace,” said Asif.
Asif said that soon after taking over the premiership, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had expressed his desire for peace with India. However, he regretted that for the last few months, this desire had been misconceived by the other side.
