–FO spokesperson says any miscalculation could lead towards large scale conflict
–Faisal claims UAE has decided to release 572 Pakistani prisoners languishing in jails
ISLAMABAD: As tensions between Iran and the United States continue to increase, Pakistan has asked the United States and Iran to show restraint and resolve their issues through negotiations.
Commenting on the US-Iran tensions at his weekly news briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal said the recent developments in the Persian Gulf were “disturbing”.
He said the US decision to deploy aircraft carrier and bombers added to the tension and the existing precarious security situation in the Middle East, warning any miscalculated move can transmute into a large scale conflict.
Condemning the Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, the spokesperson said the region has been turned into a military camp where people are under siege facing injustice, harassment and barbarism.
He said India should stop misleading international community on Kashmir dispute and accept the ground realities and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. He said India cannot crush the freedom movement through its hostilities.
He also expressed concerns over illegal detention of Hurriyat leaders and demanded their release at the earliest.
When asked about Samjhauta Express incident, the spokesperson said that Pakistan has raised this issue at all the important forums and also protested with India over the release of the culprits. He said about forty-two Pakistani people were martyred in the incident.
The spokesperson said Pakistan is ready to hold dialogue with India on all issues including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the UAE government has decided to release 572 Pakistani prisoners languishing in their jails. He said our mission in the UAE is in touch with the UAE authorities in order to expedite their release and deportation.
Responding to a question, the spokesperson said we will also hear good news regarding the release of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi jails very soon.
He said fifty Pakistanis were deported from the United States yesterday through a chartered flight.
To another question, Dr Muhammad Faisal said that Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is scheduled to pay a two day visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan from 21st of this month to participate in the SCO meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers.
He said the meeting will provide an opportunity to Pakistan to highlight its interest in the regional peace and stability. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to participate in the SCO Heads of State Meeting being held on 13th and 14th of next month in Bishkek.
When asked about the return of Afghan refugees, Dr Muhammad Faisal admitted that the pace of repatriation slowed down due to various reasons. He, however, said Pakistan is engaged with Afghanistan to ensure dignified and voluntary return of the refugees.
