Pakistan hails Bahrain bid for reconciliation

Zardari says it is important that restraint is exercised by all.

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan’s top leaders on Tuesday expressed concern on situation unfolding in the Arab world and announced support for steps being taken by Gulf rulers to curb what appears to be a violent quest for change by their publics.

“Pakistan is deeply concerned over the situation developing in North Africa, Middle East and other parts of the Arab world which could be extremely detrimental to the overall interests of stability, order and peace of the Ummah,” said Gilani during a meeting with visiting Bahrain Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Bin Mohamed Al-Khalifa.

“Pakistan’s position on these matters is based on the universally recognised principles of respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states as well as non-intervention and non-interference.”

Gilani’s comments were resonated by President Asif Ali Zardari at a separate meeting with the top diplomat of the Arab country.

“Pakistan desires peace, security and stability in Bahrain and indeed in the whole of the Middle East,” President Zardari told the visiting minister.

“Pakistan believes that it will be dangerous for regional peace and stability if the system was destabilised one way or the other,” he said.

The president said that it was important that restraint was exercised by all and violence avoided.

He expressed hope that the government and people of Bahrain would soon be able to overcome all difficulties.

Pakistan also welcomed the steps being taken for reconciliation in Bahrain.

Later Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar at a separate meeting with her Bahranian counterpart expressed confidence that Bahrain would be able to overcome the present difficulties in the spirit of security, peace and reconciliation.

Pakistan has welcomed the initiative of King of Bahrain for an inclusive dialogue with all segments of the society to promote harmony and reconciliation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2011.