FM clears state’s position, says Pakistan’s soil will not be used

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in the upper house of Parliament on Monday that the country’s soil will not be used against any other country.

The minister began his speech by recounting how the crisis-like situation in the region unfolded, starting with the killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack in Iraq that led the US to carry out strikes on an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia.

Addressing the Senate session over US, Iran conflict in Islamabad on Monday, Qureshi said the situation of Middle East is getting worse and matters can only be resolved by keeping in view the reality and facts. “The region is being exposed to a new war.”

Shah also tweeted today, ‘Pakistan is very clear on its position: we stand for peace, stability & security in region. I’ve reiterated this to all stakeholders in my recent conversations. Active diplomacy to de-escalate tensions is the need of the hour.Violence must be avoided. We’ll continue with efforts.’

Advertisement

Pakistan is very clear on its position: we stand for peace, stability & security in region. I've reiterated this to all stakeholders in my recent conversations. Active diplomacy to de-escalate tensions is the need of the hour.Violence must be avoided. We'll continue with efforts.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) January 6, 2020

Pakistan to not take sides in conflict between US and Iran, DG ISPR

Earlier on today, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor said Pakistan will not allow its land to be used against any country.

According to the report of Radio Pakistan, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major General Asif Ghafoor says Pakistan would play the role of a peacemaker and not take sides in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Talking to private news channels, he said Pakistan has defeated and eliminated terrorism on its territory and would not allow its soil to be used against any other country.

The ISPR director general said, Islamabad will not become part of any action that undermines regional stability. “Pakistan will not be a party to anyone or anything but will be a partner of peace and peace alone,” he quoted Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.