ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has termed the recent elections in Afghanistan as apositive development and expressed the confidence that the politicalprocess in the country will move forward.
At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad today, Foreign Office SpokespersonDr Muhammad Faisal stated that both Pakistan and the US are currentlyengaged along with other regional stakeholders to pursue a politicalsettlement in Afghanistan.
Commenting on the recent statement of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeoregarding his country’s South Asia Policy, the spokesperson reiterated thatpeace and stability in Afghanistan is vital for eliminating the menace ofterrorism inside Pakistan and the region.
The spokesperson said there is no question of any country applyingpressure on Pakistan for something which we believe is in our nationalinterest. He said our foreign policy is based on the principles of peace.Expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in occupiedKashmir, the spokesperson said that Pakistan is actively highlighting theplight of Kashmiri people at every forum.
He said Pakistan salutes the courage and commitment of Kashmiri people inthe face of Indian brutalities. When asked about dialogue with India, thespokesperson said that it is our considered position that resolution of allissues lies in the dialogue process.
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Describing the visit of the Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia successful, theForeign Office spokesperson said that the Kingdom had announced a financialpackage for Pakistan besides showing great interest in establishing an oilrefinery and exploring the mineral resources of Pakistan.
The spokesperson said the Prime Minister during his visit also discussedthe problems faced by Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia. He said thereduction in visa fee by Saudi Arabia for Pakistani workers is asignificant step towards increasing our workforce in the Kingdom.
When asked about Pakistan’s mediation role in Yemen, the spokesperson saidthe process has commenced. He said that Pakistan has always worked towardsestablishing the best of relations amongst the Muslim countries and it willcontinue to play this role in future as well. About the abducted Iranianborder guards, the spokesperson said that both the neighboring countriesare actively cooperating on the matter.
