ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Monday that the entire world recognised Pakistan’s efforts for peace after the release of captured Indian pilot Abhinandan.
The FM’s statement came after he presided over a consultation session at the Foreign Office.
The former secretaries and envoys also attended the session, where Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua was also present.
In the session, important matters pertaining to Pakistan-India standoff and diplomatic issues were discussed.
The foreign minister said that Pakistan welcomed Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s resolution against Indian forces’ atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.
The attendees congratulated the FM on successful diplomatic manoeuvre in the recent times. It was agreed to continue the sessions on diplomatic issues.
FM Qureshi summoned a consultative meeting over escalating tensions with India.
A day earlier, the foreign minister had said that the Narendra Modi government put Kashmir on the agendas of international forums – a development always avoided by the previous Indian governments.
The United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Russia, China and Turkey want to deescalate the border tensions between Pakistan and India, Qureshi said. “A small section of the Indian government for their political ambitions desire to put the region in war,” he added.
Qureshi said that Saudi Foreign Minister will visit Pakistan after his visit to India – but added that there are reports emerging that his visit has been postponed for an indefinite period.
The international community is appreciating Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region as United Kingdom (UK), Qatar, Turkey and international media hailed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision of releasing captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
Tensions between Pakistan and India have escalated dramatically after a suicide bomber struck an Indian paramilitary convoy in Kashmir’s Pulwama district. The attack had left 44 personnel dead.
India claimed militant organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was behind the attack and intruded into Pakistan airspace to bomb an alleged JeM camp on Feb 26.
The attack prompted a strong response from Pakistan. It warned against “uncalled for aggression” and decided that the country would respond at a “time and place of its choosing”.
Next day, it launched airstrike within Indian-held Kashmir and also shot down two fighter jets that attempted to violate Pakistani airspace, capturing an Indian pilot as well.
