ISLAMABAD - Despite recent threatening statements from India, Pakistan Thursday reiterated its commitment to have good relations with all its neighbouring countries including India to resolve all outstanding issues through talks for lasting peace and development in the region.
"Pakistan wishes to have good relations with all countries in the region. We want to promote peace and development in the region. Pakistan, therefore, would welcome any proposal from India that supports these objectives", Foreign Office Spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah told the weekly press briefing here.
Commenting on recent telephonic conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes all efforts to normalize the bilateral relations.
When asked whether Pakistan has contacted the international community on the Indian Prime Minister admission of his country's role in the breakup of Pakistan, the spokesperson said Pakistan will take all appropriate actions necessary to protect its interests.
Answering a question about the offer of Indian Prime Minister to release Pakistani fishermen detained in India, the spokesperson said logistic arrangements are being finalized in this regard and exchange of detained fishermen will be made very soon as it took a while to complete the process.
Answering another question, the spokesperson said the ISIS does not have a footprint in Pakistan. Many countries have taken action collectively and individually against the outfit. He said Pakistan stands committed in the war on terrorism and this role has also been appreciated by the international community.
The spokesperson to a question clarified that Iran has neither shown any concern nor has enforced the condition of polio related restriction for Pakistani visitors including Zayreen. He said the Iranian authorities administer polio drops to Pakistani children at their airports.
When asked about relations with Russia, the spokesperson said Pakistan has embarked upon a policy of constructive engagement with countries in the region and beyond. He said Russia is an important country and we want to enhance relations with it in all fields of mutual interests. "Relations between Pakistan and Russia are on an upward trajectory over the last couple of years. These relations are independent of any influence from any other country", he continued.
Commenting on situation in Yemen, the spokesperson said Pakistan has appreciated the efforts of the United Nations for starting Geneva talks to find a peaceful solution to the Yemen crisis.
He said Pakistan also supported the efforts of OIC Foreign Minister held recently in Jeddah where all the members of the OIC also spoke for the peaceful solution to the Yemen crisis.
He said Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz who attended the OIC Foreign Ministers extra-ordinary meeting urged the Muslim community to join hands to find a peaceful solution to the Yemen crisis.
Earlier, in his opening statements, the spokesperson facilitated the armed forces of Pakistan on the completion of one year of operation Zarb-e-Azb. He said the operation has achieved resounding success in eliminating terrorism. Paying glowing tributes to the martyrs, he expressed profound gratitude to the families whose loved ones laid down their lives while serving the nation and securing its future. He said the international community is also deeply appreciative of the sacrifices given by the people of Pakistan to make the world a safer place.