–FM Qureshi apprises German counterpart of govt’s commitment to implementation of NAP
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday called upon the international community to take notice of grave human rights violations in Indian-held Kashmir by the security forces as he informed Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas of ties with India post-Pulwama bombing.
Welcoming the German foreign minister at Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, the PM said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with the European country, characterized by shared democratic values and multifaceted cooperation.
According to a press release issued by the PM Office, Imran briefed the German FM on Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan and India as well as steps taken by his government towards de-escalation with latter. He also went on to appreciate German Chancellor Angela Merkel, particularly her handling of the immigration crisis.
The German acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution towards peace and stability in the region, especially in the aftermath of Pulwama incident.
He appreciated Pakistan’s responsible handling of the situation, particularly the decision of releasing Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, and also underscored Pakistan’s key role towards achieving a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan.
On the bilateral front, the PM welcomed Germany’s investment in hydroelectric power generation and automobile sectors of Pakistan.
Terming Germany as an important development partner, the prime minister invited enhanced German technical support for Pakistan in sectors related to human development, especially education and health. The German FM also reiterated the chancellor Merkel’s invitation to Prime Minister Imran to visit Germany.
‘NAP GOVT’S TOP PRIORITY’:
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday asserted that the government is implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) in letter and spirit.
Qureshi, while addressing a joint presser with his German counterpart Heiko Maas, who is on an official visit to Pakistan with a delegation, observed that the war against terrorism is a global concern and that the international community has to play its part.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart acknowledged the role of Germany is de-escalating tensions between Pakistan and India – which observed an all-time peak in the past 50 years following the Pulwama terror attack in Indian occupied Kashmir which claimed 44 Indian soldiers.
Stressing upon the need for a comprehensive dialogue between the two nuclear-armed countries, Qureshi said that “it [dialogue] is the only way forward”.
“[Pakistan and India] really need to talk. There is no military solution to [any] problem,” he added.
Qureshi also called on the international community and the United Nation to take note of the blatant human rights violations in the Indian-held Kashmir.
Maas lauded Pakistan’s role in the ongoing Afghan peace process. He also appreciated Pakistan’s “quick release” of Indian pilot Abhinandan and said the move had helped deescalate tensions between the two countries.
In response to a question, he said that the German government acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts towards deescalation.
He further said that he had a meeting with the Indian foreign minister as well where he had stressed the need for a peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute.
