Pakistan not becoming part of bloc politics, says FM Qureshi

In the wake of Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia, scheduled for later this month, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi dismissed on Thursday talks of Pakistan becoming a part of bloc politics.

"Russia is an important country of the region," the country's top diplomat said. "It has a role to play in the peace and stability of Afghanistan. We want to work together on projects which benefit Russia, Pakistan and the entire region. Like the North-South Gas pipeline project, Russia can invest and Pakistan would benefit."

Earlier, it was confirmed that PM Imran was expected to undertake an “all crucial” visit to Moscow from February 23 to 25.

The premier’s visit to Moscow is believed to be a clear signal to the West, especially after he clearly said “absolutely not” to Washington on giving bases in Pakistan following its withdrawal from Afghanistan and not receiving a phone call from US President Joe Biden since he assumed his office in the White House.

Read More: PM Imran to visit Russia this month

The foreign minister said that the premier's visit to Russia was an important one with "high hopes" Forming a bloc was not on the agenda, he added.

Furthermore, Qureshi aid Pakistan was pursuing a proactive foreign policy with a focus on the global agenda.

"We have the resilience and experience to deal with the challenges ahead," the FM said whilst addressing a seminar on Multidimensional Diplomacy for Durable Peace, Inclusive Growth and Shared Development in Islamabad.

The foreign minister said that we are moving forward with both traditional and new tools of diplomacy to create a voice that would resonate with the global community and to dent the deep-rooted negative perceptions about Pakistan through fresh and positive narratives.

"Under Prime Minister Imran Khan's leadership, Pakistan has proactively and consistently advanced its diplomatic objectives both bilaterally and multilaterally. We have consolidated friendships and strengthened bilateral relations with major powers and key partners across all regions," Qureshi said.

Qureshi further added that Pakistan was a leading voice at multilateral forums with strong advocacy on issues of sustainable and equitable development, climate change, debt relief, corruption and illicit financial flows as well as Islamophobia.

"We are pressing ahead on the clear pathway provided by the policy shift with an increased focus on geo-economics, leveraging our geopolitical significance," he said.

He added that Pakistan had prepared its diplomacy for garnering regional and international consensus for constructive and sustained engagement with the new interim authorities in Afghanistan.

"Our overriding concern is to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and an economic meltdown there," he added.