Daily Times

Pakistan on Thursday urged the United States and Iran to show restraint and resolve issues between them through negotiations, warning that any ‘miscalculated move can transmute into a large-scale conflict’.

“The regional tension and war is not in anyone’s interest. Both the countries should resolve bilateral issues through dialogue,” Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Faisal said while addressing a weekly news conference in Islamabad. He termed the recent developments in the Persian Gulf as ‘disturbing’, adding that Washington’s decision to deploy an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers to the Gulf has added to the tensions and the existing precarious security situation in the Middle East.

Condemning the Indian atrocities in held Kashmir, the spokesperson said the valley has been turned into a military camp where people are under siege facing injustice, harassment and barbarism. He said India should stop misleading the 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.

“Pakistan is continuously raising the Samjhota matter on all forums and we have also registered a strong protest with India over the matter,” the FO spokesperson said to a question, recalling that about 42 Pakistani people were martyred in the despicable incident.

The spokesperson said Pakistan is ready to hold dialogue with India on all issues including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir.

The spokesperson said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has decided to release 572 Pakistani prisoners languishing in their jails. He said Pakistan’s 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 good news will soon come regarding release of Pakistani prisoners from Saudi jails. He said 50 Pakistanis deported by the United States reached through a chartered flight on Wednesday.

Dr Faisal said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will 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 Pakistan an opportunity to highlight its interest in the regional peace and stability. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Meeting being held on 13 and 14 of next month in Bishkek.

About return of Afghan refugees, the spokesperson said the pace of repatriation has slowed down due to various reasons, adding that Pakistan is engaged with Afghanistan to ensure dignified and voluntary return of the refugees.

To a question, Dr Faisal said that Pakistan and China have started operation against people involved in fake marriages. He said the victims can contact Chinese or Pakistani embassies, adding that action has been initiated to protect the citizens of both the countries from criminal gangs and agents. He further said that no clue has been found regarding organ trafficking. However, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been directed to submit complete report on the matter, he added.