–FO spokesman says ‘there’s no question of any country pressurising Pakistan for something we believe is in our national interest’
–Says Pakistan and US making joint efforts to bring peace to Afghanistan through political settlement between stakeholders
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Thursday said that there is no question of Pakistan being pressurised over its national interests by any country.
“There is no question of any country applying pressure on Pakistan for something which we believe is in our national interest,” FO Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said while addressing his weekly press briefing.
The FO spokesman also commented on United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent statement about his country’s South Asia Policy, emphasising that peace in the region in interlinked.
“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is also vital for eliminating the menace of terrorism inside Pakistan and the region in general,” he said while adding, “Both Pakistan and the United States are currently engaged along with other regional stakeholders to pursue a political settlement in Afghanistan. We want an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process”.
Commenting on the recent elections in Afghanistan, Dr Faisal said that it was a positive development; however, the allegations regarding the Kandahar attack have been whipped out of thin air. “Afghanistan has not shared any substantial evidence,” he stated.
While speaking about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Dr Faisal said that the Kingdom, besides announcing a financial package for Pakistan has also showed great interest in establishing an oil refinery and exploring the country’s mineral resources.
He also said that the premier had also discussed the problems being faced by the Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia. “Reduction in visa fee for Pakistani workers by Saudi Arabia is a significant step towards increasing our workforce in the Kingdom,” he stated.
In response to a question about Pakistan’s mediation role in Yemen, he said Pakistan has always worked towards establishing the best of relations amongst the Muslim countries and it will continue to aim for the same goal in future as well.
Responding to a question regarding the current spate of violence in Indian-held Kashmir (IOK), Dr Faisal said, “Pakistan is not afraid of holding dialogue with India. It is our considered position that resolution of all issues lies in the dialogue process”.
However, expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in IOK, the spokesperson said that Pakistan is actively highlighting the plight of Kashmiri people at every forum.
“Pakistan salutes the courage and commitment of Kashmiri people in the face of Indian brutalities,” he concluded.
