PM Nawaz was not offered bulletproof car from India: FO

Aslam, in reference of arrival of Russian defence minister, says Russia is considered an important global player


Our Correspondent/web Desk November 20, 2014
PM Nawaz was not offered bulletproof car from India: FO

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam on Thursday refuted statements made by a Nepalese official that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had rejected a bulletproof car provided by India for next week’s summit of South Asian leaders in Kathmandu.

“No vehicle was offered by India, and no offer was declined,” Aslam said.

“We have seen media reports that a vehicle was offered and that the offer was refused. Nothing of this sort happened,” Aslam said at her weekly briefing.

SAARC Summit in Kathmandu

Aslam, in response to a question, said she had nothing to share about the possibility of a bilateral meeting between the prime ministers of Pakistan and India on the sidelines of the summit.

“I can confirm the meeting with the leadership of the host country. Apart from that, I do not have the details of other meetings. During the summit and retreat, leaders do interact,” she added.

Russian Defence Minister arrives in Pakistan

Aslam, during the weekly briefing, also addressed the arrival of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Islamabad, Radio Pakistan reported.


Express News screengrab of Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

In regard to relations between Pakistan and Russia, the foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan considers Russia as an important global player, which can play a crucial role in regional development and stability.

“Our ties with Moscow are moving in an upward trajectory. Islamabad seeks Moscow’s cooperation for social and economic development,” she said.

Ghani's visit to Pakistan 'successful'

Further, regarding the recent visit of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to Pakistan, Aslam said 42 important decisions – related to economy, trade, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts – were made between both countries.

Aslam said it was a successful visit.

Kashmir issue

Addressing the Kashmir issue, she said Jammu and Kashmir was an established conflict, and the UN Security Council provided a platform to discuss the conflicts.

The foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan urged the UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan to play an effective role regarding ceasefire violations.

Additionally, Aslam said Pakistan was a victim of terrorism where around 55,000 people sacrificed their lives.

“Our armed forces have taken action against terrorists without any distinction or discrimination,” she said.

COMMENTS (9)

Rawalpindi Kid | 10 years ago | Reply

@wisegirlnextdoor: This sharif administration has a habit of putting their foot in their mouths. Every minister makes up their own statements, never bothering to check what the official policy is. A fine example of incompetence and mismanagement. Now the military has been forced to correct the foreign advisor. Why is there no foreign minister anyway? Incompetent bunch!

Musafir | 10 years ago | Reply

@Sneha. I liked your sarcasm and the snarkiness.

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