ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has revealed that it hasbeen decided that government will write letters to British House of Commonsand European Parliament to apprise them of the prevailing situation andPakistan’s efforts to defuse the situation.

He has said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan have proved that they canfully defend the country against any external aggression.

Addressing a news conference along with Governor Punjab Chaudhry MohammadSarwar in Lahore on Saturday evening, he said that Pakistan has shown itscapability and firm resolve for self-defence.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan’s preference is peace and it does notwant war. He said the country is actively taking steps to deescalate thesituation.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said a large segment of Indian media is creating warhype. However, he said, millions of people in India want peace and it isonly a small segment of population in the neighboring country that ispromoting war hysteria.

Foreign Minister appreciated the role of Pakistani media for cautiously andresponsibly reporting the current standoff between the two countries.

He said Saudi Foreign Minister will visit both Pakistan and India to talkto the leadership of both countries in an attempt to de-escalate thesituation.

The Minister said Pakistan believes in resolving the issues throughdiplomacy.

To a question he said Indian authorities failed to protect the life ofPakistani prisoner Shakirullah.

Replying another question, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said decision to not attendthe OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Abu Dhabi was made afterconsultation with all political parties.