ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s geography, history and strong relationships with all the countries in the region make it a very important player in the current situation, especially in the light of the recent developments in the Middle East.
“Based on these considerations, it is very important for Pakistan to contribute towards the goal of ensuring peace and security in the region. We believe that there is an indication (from President Trump’s statement) that peace must be given a chance and de-escalation of tensions should take place,” spokesperson at the Foreign Office told the weekly media briefing.
Pakistan is now evaluating the statement of President Trump as ‘de-escalation’ is something that Pakistan welcomes and contributes in this regard.
“On sanctions against Iran indicated by the president of United States in his speech, I would state that we are awaiting further details on that as it was mentioned in the course of his speech. We will update you on our position, as and when the situation develops,” said the spokesperson.
As uncertainties continue between the United States and Iran in the aftermath of the killing of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, Pakistan reiterated on Thursday that it in the interest ofeveryone to work towards de-escalation and defusing tensions.
As part of Pakistan’s outreach, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United States. “There is always a room for engagement and interaction within the region and beyond. The foreign minister’s visit will be aimed towards this. This is an initiative that Pakistan has taken because we understand our responsibility as a member of the international community and as an important country in this region,” said the spokesperson.
She spoke at a time when Washington has specifically asked Pakistan to play a role to defuse tensions with Iran. This was revealed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division Dr Moeed Yusuf who said, “Washington asking Islamabad to play a role in the Middle East now shows Pakistan’s international standing as a peacemaker.”
To a query, the spokesperson said the US and Pakistan have long standing relations. “Our bilateral relations cover the entire gamut of our interaction across all fields that include political, military, economic, development, social and academic. The contacts and exchanges between the leaderships of the two countries take place at multiple levels. There is not one channel, but there are multiple channels of interaction between our leaders. The focus in all these multiple interactions remains on building a stronger relationship and advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” she said.
The spokesperson said that there is collective wisdom and understanding that this region cannot afford another conflict. “Therefore, it is in the interest of everyone to work towards de-escalation and defusing tensions. The foreign minister has spoken to many of his counterparts. Being a part of the region, it makes all of us interested and eager to see the defusing of tensions and de-escalation. The visit of these three countries is a part of that ongoing outreach,” she added.
Pakistan’s message to the different capitals will be that there should be no escalation from any side. “All sides must exercise maximum restraint. War is in no one’s interest. Pakistan will not be a party to any conflict in the region. Pakistan will always be a partner for peace and will continue its efforts for prevention of conflict and preservation of peace,” responded the spokesperson to a query.
“Pakistan has already stated that any attempt to reduce tensions will be welcomed,” she said. Regarding Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif’s statement about a shift in Iran’s nuclear agreement, the spokesperson said that Pakistan has a principled position on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
“Pakistan has always maintained that the JCPOA represents a good example of a negotiated settlement of complex issues through dialogue and diplomacy. We hope that all parties to the JCPOA will be able to take effective measures to resolve all outstanding issues through consultations within the framework provided in the agreement,” she explained.
Commenting on the decision of EU ambassadors who have declined to visit Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) as they demanded more freedom of movement and people they want to interact with, the spokesperson remarked, “We hope that the visit would take place without any restriction by the Indian government so that envoys would have access to all areas. They may also be allowed to freely interact with Hurriyat leadership and Kashmiri people in an atmosphere free from intimidation and coercion. How will the visit take place, needs to be seen. We are also keen to know the outcome.”
The spokesperson shrugged aside criticism about Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and the working of the Foreign Office. “I have to make a strong statement on this. The foreign secretary has spent the last three decades of his life working for Pakistan. He is one of the ablest, well-trained and acclaimed diplomats of Foreign Service of Pakistan,” responded the spokesperson. She said that since he has taken charge, he has led this ministry in one of the most challenging times for Pakistan’s foreign policy in a very professional manner.
