Spokesperson says Pakistan uninterested in Indo-US trade deal but defence deal is a cause for concern
Pakistan on Thursday said India does not qualify to become a full member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) given its record of violations of UN resolutions, particularly pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Pakistan has always advocated effective and feasible reforms of the UNSC and its working methods on the basis of consensus among UN members,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said at her weekly news briefing.
“UNSC reforms should make this vital organ for peace and security more democratic, effective and responsive to the aspirations of the member states. A reformed UNSC should reflect interests of wider membership of the UN,” she said.
She warned that the idea of new permanent member seats in the UNSC will only create new centres of power and privileges, and could make the Security Council even more undemocratic.
Responding to questions about the recent US-India defence pact, the spokesperson said the pact can only add to the conventional asymmetry and undermine the regional stability.
She voiced concerns over India’s massive acquisition of conventional weapons.
“This will further complicate stability in the region,” she said.
“India has increased its defence spending by 12 per cent in 2014-15. Its defence budget stands at 38.3 billion dollars, and for the last three years India has been a top buyer of conventional weapons,” the spokesperson said.
To a question, Tasnim Aslam said “China is a global power and is significantly contributing to regional stability,” Aslam said in response to a question.
She said the Chinese president’s visit will take place, but the dates have not yet been finalised.
“Pakistan is determined to work with the US to expand bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and interests,” Aslam said in regard to relations with the United States
“Washington is our major trading partner and a big investor in Pakistan. A new round of strategic dialogue commenced this month. We have five working groups covering the wide spectrum of bilateral relations, and a sixth working group is being established on education,” the spokesperson added.
Regarding counter-terrorism operations, the spokesperson said Pakistan is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to deal with the menace.
The international community should also devise a strategy for elimination of terrorism, she said.
