ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday said it is committed to a result-oriented, meaningful and sustainable dialogue process with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
During her weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam reiterated Pakistan’s position while commenting on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks.
“Pakistan and India have remained engaged in the past under the framework of Composite Dialogue. Pakistan is committed to a result-oriented, sustainable and meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of mutual concern, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Tasnim Aslam also confirmed Pakistan was procuring US military equipment to meet its critical defence needs, especially for counterterrorism.
The spokesperson said the US State Department has notified to the Congress about the proposed sale of military equipment to Pakistan. She expressed the confidence that the final clearance will come through soon. Welcoming the US State Department’s notification, the spokesperson said this is in recognition of Pakistan’s needs in counterterrorism operations.
About the ban on charity organization, Al-Furqan Foundation, by the United States, the spokesperson said the US has proscribed the entity under its domestic laws and it had duly informed Pakistan about its action.
On the Yemeni crisis, Tasnim Aslam said Pakistan wants an early end to the war. In this regard, Pakistan is in touch with different Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran and Oman, she revealed.
The spokesperson said there is complete consensus within Pakistan that in case of any threat to the holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will be the first country to come forward for their defence. She said Saudi Arabia is a fraternal country and any threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty will evoke a strong response from Pakistan.
About the role of OIC in resolving the Saudi-Yemen conflict, the spokesperson said the matter has been discussed at the senior officials’ meeting, preparatory to the foreign ministers’ meeting to be held in Kuwait in June 2015. “A resolution has also been prepared for the consideration of the foreign ministers,” she added.
About the visit of the Iranian foreign minister to Pakistan, she revealed it was scheduled before the crisis in Yemen. She said both Pakistan and Iran have agreed to convince the warring factions in Yemen to move towards dialogue. She said Pakistan has repeatedly condemned the actions of the non-state actors who overthrew a legitimate government of Yemen recognised by the international community and the United Nations.
Answering a question, the spokesperson said majority of Pakistanis have been evacuated from Yemen. Some are still there as they do not want to leave Yemen, she pointed out.
When asked about the killing of seven Iranian border guards, the spokesperson said Pakistan has asked Iran to share the evidence or intelligence that the culprits of the incident had entered Pakistani territory. She added a strict action would be taken if the culprits were found on the Pak land.
When asked about the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan, the spokesperson said he will visit Pakistan this month. However, dates have not yet been finalised, she said, adding the countries are strategic partners and all-weather friends.