ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said it would not bow down to pressure by the United States or any other country against its national interest. “There is no question of any country applying pressure on Pakistan for something which we believe is in our national interest,” Dr Faisal said during a weekly briefing when asked to comment on the recent statement of United States Secretary Mike Pompeo regarding his country’s South Asia Policy. He reiterated that peace and stability in Afghanistan was also “vital for eliminating the menace of terrorism inside Pakistan and the region in general”. “Both Pakistan and the United States are currently engaged along with other regional stakeholders to pursue a political settlement in Afghanistan. We want an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,” he added. Speaking about the recent elections in Afghanistan, the FO spokesperson said it was a positive development. Further, he once again condemned and refuted allegations regarding the Kandahar attack. “Afghanistan has not shared any substantial evidence,” he added. Expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in Held Kashmir, Dr Faisal said that Pakistan was actively highlighting the plight of Kashmiri people at every forum. “Pakistan salutes the courage and commitment of Kashmiri people in the face of Indian brutalities.” When asked about dialogue with India, the spokesperson said: “It is our considered position that resolution of all issues lies in the dialogue process.” On Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the spokesperson said that the Kingdom not only announced a financial package for Pakistan but also evinced great interest in establishing an oil refinery and exploring the mineral resources of Pakistan. The spokesperson said that the prime minister during his visit also discussed the problems being faced by Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia. He said the reduction in visa fee by Saudi Arabia for Pakistani workers was a significant step towards increasing Pakistani workforce in the kingdom. When asked about Pakistan’s mediation role in Yemen, he said Pakistan had always worked towards establishing the best of relations amongst the Muslim countries and it would continue to play this role in future as well. About the abducted Iranian border guards, he said that both the countries were actively cooperating on the atter. Published in Daily Times, October 26th 2018.