ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision to extend the tenure of Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa had sent a clear message to India that there was “continuation and clarity” in the political and military leadership in Pakistan.
“You are aware of the situation in Kashmir, the security situation in the region, and where our efforts are for the peace process in Afghanistan. Looking at the entire situation, the prime minister using his constitutional authority has decided to appoint Gen Bajwa as the army chief for another three years,” Qureshi said while talking to reporters in the federal capital.
“At this stage we are not completely aware of the entire situation in Occupied Kashmir as there is curfew in the region. When the curfew is lifted, then we will know what exactly happened there,” said the foreign minister when asked if any improvement was expected in Occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan following the decision.
He said that, according to some international media reports, there were some skirmishes in Occupied Kashmir even on Saturday. “When the curfew is lifted, then we would know what exactly happened there.”
Qureshi pointed to irresponsible statements from India’s defence minister. “You should not have any doubts over their aims and intentions,” he said.
“A very clear message (is being conveyed) that Pakistan’s political and military leadership are not only ready, they are on one page. This was very important,” said the foreign minister.
