Pakistan won’t become part of US-Iran conflict: PM

Imran Khan says Pakistan is a partner of peace, stresses need to de-escalate Persian Gulf tensions

Prime Minister Imran Khan has made it clear that Pakistan would not become part of ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran following Tehran’s top commander Gen Qassem Soleimani’s killing in a US airstrike in Baghdad.

Expressing deep concern over the evolving situation in the Gulf and Middle East, Prime Minister Imran urged the two sides to take all steps to avoid any further escalation in tensions, said a statement issued from the PM Office on Wednesday.

“War is in nobody’s interest,” said the premier while speaking with  Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami, Oman’s Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs. He called for immediate measures for de-escalation.

H.E. Mr. Abdullah Bin Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Salmi, Minister for Endowment & Religious Affairs Kingdom of Oman, called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad.

Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri was also present during the meeting. pic.twitter.com/MHhBqmlpWU

— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 8, 2020

PM Imran pointed that Pakistan had already suffered greatly due to regional conflicts in the past, and therefore would not become part of any conflict in the region.

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“Pakistan is a partner for peace and would continue to play its role in seeking to defuse tensions, prevent a conflict, and preserve the peace,” he remarked.

The prime minister also recalled his efforts for peaceful resolution of differences and disputes between the United States and Iran, as well as, Saudi Arabia.

The statement comes hours after US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper reached out to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to seek advice on the situation.

“I always appreciate speaking with our partners and allies in the region,” wrote Esper on Twitter. “We all seek de-escalation of tensions with Iran.”

He said that while Washington did not want conflict, it will “respond forcefully” if required.  “Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today,” the US official added.

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This is not the first communication between the army chief and top US officials. In a diplomatic outreach following Soleimani’s assassination, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo telephoned COAS General Bajwa and apprised him on the situation.

According to DG ISPR Maj-Gen Ghafoor, the army chief had emphasised that the regional tensions need to be reduced and urged relevant countries to move forward with practices and dialogue that aid peace process. He also stressed upon the Afghan reconciliation process.

The prime minister, during today's meeting, also highlighted the dire human rights and humanitarian situation arising out from the inhuman lockdown in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) for over five months. He also condemned discriminatory policies of the BJP government in India against minorities, especially Muslims.

He stressed upon the international community to take urgent steps to address issue.

The prime minister, while noting the traditionally close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Oman, expressed the desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in all fields. He also extended cordial greetings and best wishes for Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said.