Daily Times

Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Dr Faisal Thursday said US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalamay Khalilzad put forward no conditions for Pakistan during his recent visit.

Addressing a weekly press briefing here, Dr Faisal said President Trump’s letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan seeking assistance on Afghan issue has vindicated Pakistan’s considered position that Afghan issue can only be solved through negotiations. He said the letter highlighted the fact that Afghanistan is an important issue in the region. He said Pakistan has always advocated a political settlement to end the war in Afghanistan. Welcoming the US decision, Dr Faisal reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to play a facilitative role in bringing peace in the neighboring country. He said peace and stability in Afghanistan remains a shared responsibility.

The spokesperson said Khalilzad held meetings with prime minister, foreign minister and foreign secretary during his visit. “The foreign minister reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. He termed the letter of US President Donald Trump to Imran Khan a good omen for melting the ice in relations between Pakistan and US. He said it was the beginning of talks and more meaningful interaction would follow over time,” he said, quoting the foreign minister.

Referring to the proposed opening of the Kartarpur border crossing, the spokesperson asserted, “Kartarpur corridor will not move the limelight from Kashmir issue … it should be kept in mind that Kashmir tops the agenda.”

On the subject of atrocities by Indian forces in Held Kashmir, the spokesperson said, “Indian forces continue with their atrocities in the region. New Delhi should stop misleading the world and accept the facts.” To another question, he said, “Pakistan wants reconciliation with India on Kashmir and other issues … and we are hoping for a positive response from them.”

Regarding the increase in dollar price, Dr Faisal said it has nothing to do with the foreign ministry and that it was the responsibility of the finance ministry to take care of financial matters.

Clearing the air regarding reports aired on the Chinese state television about Kashmir becoming a part of China, Dr Faisal said, “There is no truth to the reports and China has already informed Pakistan about it. The Chinese state television used a pre-approved map in which occupied Kashmir was shown in white.”

Published in Daily Times, December 7^th 2018.