A file photo of the Line of Control. PHOTO: AFP
The foreign minister travelled to regional countries as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic push to garner support of friendly countries in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s new strategy on Afghanistan and South Asia announced last month. It is also expected that Asif will meet the Russian foreign minister at the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York.
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Speaking at a weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakria said the foreign minister’s regional tour was ‘successful’ in terms of the convergence of interest and viewpoints on the situation in the region, including Afghanistan.
He said consensus had been reached on the following points: “(1)Peace in Afghanistan is important for stability in the region; (2) No military solution of Afghan conflict; (3) Regional solution of the situation in Afghanistan; (4) Afghan owned and Afghan led dialogue for peace; (5) Pakistan has contributed immensely in the fight against terrorism and has rendered unprecedented sacrifices, suffered human and economic losses; (6) Presence of terrorist outfits in Afghanistan and safe havens are a threat to regional countries; (7) Terrorism is a global phenomenon and hence warrants global cooperation; (8) Blame game serves no one’s interest and is counterproductive in the efforts to counter terrorism; (9) For lasting regional peace, resolution of disputes like Kashmir is important; and (10) Human rights violations in IoK are a matter of serious concern and condemnable.”
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While the Foreign Office claimed to have taken the regional countries on board on the issue of Afghanistan, the government is still in process to finalise its strategy on Trump’s new plan.
Islamabad has already rejected the Trump administration’s strategy but left the window open for sorting out differences with the US through diplomatic channels.
Pakistan’s envoys posted in key world capital in their recent huddle at the Foreign Office also recommended that the government follow a careful path and prefer diplomacy over confrontation.
Indian envoy summoned
Meanwhile, Indian Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh was summoned to the Foreign Office over the latest ceasefire violations committed by Indian troops along the Line of Control (LoC).
“The Director General (SA & SAARC), Dr Mohammad Faisal, summoned the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, J P Singh and condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces in Phuklian Sector on 13 September, resulting in the shahadat of 2 civilians, 35 years old Muhammad Zahoor, resident of village Dewara and Reshma Bibi, resident of village Kakran, and injuries to 3 others,” said a foreign office statement.
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Despite calls for restraint, India continues to indulge in ceasefire violations, added the statement.
In 2017 to date, Indian forces have carried out more than 700 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the Shahadats of 32 innocent civilians and injuries to 116, as compared to 382 ceasefire violations in 2016.
“The deliberate targeting of civilians is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity and international human rights and humanitarian laws,” the foreign office added.
Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement; investigate this and other incidents of ceasefire violations; instruct the Indian forces to respect the ceasefire, in letter and spirit and maintain peace on the LoC and Working Boundary. He urged that the Indian side should permit UNMOGIP to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.
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