Pak-US cooperation vital for regional peace: FO

Spokesperson plays down media reports of Trump admin hardening approach towards Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office on Thursday said that continued close cooperation between Pakistan and the United States was critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.

The statement from the foreign office spokesperson came in response to recent media reports suggesting that the Trump administration is considering hardening its approach toward Pakistan to crack down on Pakistan-based militants launching attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-Nato ally, Reuters reported while quoting unnamed US officials.

When asked to comment on the report at the weekly news briefing, Nafees Zakaria tried to play down it.

“We do not comment on media reports from this podium. I would nevertheless like to note that Pakistan attaches importance to its relationship with the US, which is longstanding and encompasses cooperation in various fields,” Zakaria remarked.



“We firmly believe that continued close cooperation between our two countries is critical for promoting peace and security in the region and beyond,” the spokesperson added.

On reports that US may step up drone strikes, the spokesperson made it clear that Pakistan's position on US drone strikes was very clear. He said these attacks were counterproductive and amounted to violation of Pakistan's sovereignty.

Responding to often repeated concerns in the US over Pakistan’s ‘selective’ anti-terror campaign, Zakaria argued that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations were driven by its own national interest and were directed against all terrorists without discrimination and distinction.

“It remains our firm resolve not to let our soil be used against any country. We are determined to that end,” he stressed.

The spokesperson confirmed that the Chinese foreign minister would be visiting Islamabad during the weekend to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan.



“China is an important partner in efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Both China and Pakistan are working closely under the initiatives like QCG, Heart of Asia Istanbul process etc. which are aimed at bringing lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” he said.

Besides Afghanistan in the context of regional cooperation for security and development, both sides will also review state of bilateral relations. The Chinese foreign minister will also travel to Kabul as part of efforts to normalise ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

When asked about Afghanistan’s opposition to fencing along the border, the spokesperson noted that effective border management was necessary to stem cross-border movement of terrorists and facilitate the movement of people and trade goods.

Briefing about the latest situation in occupied Kashmir, Zakaria said Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz had written letters to the UN Secretary General, the president of the UNSC and the OIC secretary general to update them about the gross human rights violations in the held valley.

He said the United Nations has a responsibility to resolve this long standing dispute which is on its agenda since long. He said Pakistan always welcomes mediation offers for the resolution of this internationally recognised dispute.

About the recent Indian army chief's statement that the Indian troops cares for human rights in Kashmir, the spokesperson said such claims need to be seen in the light of ground situation.

He said about 250 innocent Kashmiri people have been killed since last July while thousands of others have been injured.