Pakistan taking steps to safeguard its interests against external threats: FO

FO spokesperson said Pakistan is deeply concerned over the statements issued by Indian ministers


Kamran Yousaf May 28, 2015
Pakistan expresses deep concerns over statements issued by Indian defence and interior ministers: FO spokesperson. PHOTO: PID

ISLAMABAD: Referring to the Indian defence minister's controversial statement on 'fighting terror with terrorists', Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah said on Thursday that Pakistan is taking all possible measures to safeguard its interests against such external threats.

Vowing to take ‘proactive’ measures to prevent another Mumbai 2008 attack from being hatched on foreign soil, Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had hinted towards a new proxy war, saying they had to “neutralise terrorists through terrorists only”.

Read: Fighting terror with terrorists: Indian defence minister outlines strategy for new 'proxy' war

“There are certain things that I obviously cannot discuss here. But if there is any country, why only Pakistan, planning something against my country, we will definitely take some pro-active steps,”he had said.

In a weekly news briefing held in Islamabad today (May 28), the foreign office spokesperson said that Pakistan is deeply concerned over the statements issued by Indian defence and interior ministers.

"This statement should not only be a matter of concern for Pakistan but the entire world," Khalilullah said.

"Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation," he added.

"Such statements prove Pakistan’s concerns that Indian intelligence agencies are involved in creating unrest in Pakistan," Khalilullah further said.

'Friendly ties with neighbours'

The foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan is committed to having good relations with all neighbours, including India. "This is the vision of the prime minister and we are pursuing it with all sincerity."

Read: Bilateral Ties: ‘Trade with Afghanistan can increase’

To a question, the foreign office spokesperson replied the office is aware that the Indian media is carrying out campaign against China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is not a positive thing.

"The corridor is beneficial for the whole region and Pakistan and China are committed to execute the project," he added.

Axact scam

In reply to a question, the spokesperson said that the interior ministry has contacted the Foreign Office regarding the ongoing investigations against Axact.

Read: I ordered the inquiry against Axact, says Nisar

“The Foreign Office will assist the interior ministry in this regard,” he underlined.

"Comprehensive investigations are underway into Axact fake degrees scam, Khalilullah said, adding that the FIA had visited the US embassy yesterday in this regard. He said that Interior Ministry Interior has also asked for cooperation of US authorities in the matter.

Islamic State's presence

With regards to the presence of Islamic State (IS) in Pakistan, Khalilullah said there is no footprint of the outfit in the country.

Read: Islamic State says it could buy nuclear weapon from Pakistan within a year

"Our security agencies are alert to take any action, if required," the foreign spokesperson stated.

Morsi sentence

The foreign office spokesperson said they had issued a statement on the death sentence of former Egyptian president Morsi and hundred others based on the internationally recognised principles, Radio Pakistan reported.

Read: Egypt protests Pakistan's criticism of Morsi death sentence

He underscored that the relations between people of Pakistan and Egypt are deep rooted.

Afghan refugee crisis

Khalilullah also said that Pakistan, Afghanistan and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have been closely working to devise a timeline for return of Afghan refugees.

He said Pakistan desired peace and stability in Afghanistan. "We support Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process," the foreign office spokesperson said adding that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's recent visit to Afghanistan has made it clear categorically that enemies of Afghanistan are enemies of Pakistan.  He said we are committed to enhance ties with Afghanistan in different fields.

COMMENTS (2)

Ibrar | 8 years ago | Reply No doubt there is a huge good will and desire to have peaceful if not romantic relationship with India. No one is necessarily pro-India but Aman Ki Asha is the only way our countries could get rid of each other's hatred and allow our generations to bring prosperity together. Any other route will only maintain tension and result in wasted resources on weapons with the possibility of further conflicts. However peace requires efforts by both sides and shutting up mouths which only spit fire...like the current Indian defence minister who should be more appropriately employed as a barman rather than his current assignment.
Faceless | 8 years ago | Reply Where are all the pro-Indian Pakistanis? The supporters of “Aman Ki Asha” in Pakistan? This is the real India for you!!!
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