ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi held his maiden pressconference on Monday after taking charge of the Ministry of foreignaffairs.
He stressed on Monday that Pakistan’s interests are the first priority asthe foreign policy will begin and end at the country.
Speaking at his maiden press conference in Islamabad, Qureshi maintainedthat Pakistan is facing immense challenges and the government is determinedfor development.
PTI Government would pursue a bi-partisan approach to foreign policy issuesand take the opposition on board in addressing these challenges, he added.
The Foreign Minister said that efforts are being made to isolate Pakistanbut the government wishes to maintain peace and stability in the region.Hesaid it would be his endeavor to build national consensus on foreignpolicy. He pointed out that some forces have been pushing Pakistan towardsisolation in the absence of a regular foreign minister.
Qureshi declared that he would consult with Foreign Secretary TehminaJanjua and also the former foreign ministers Hina Rabbani Khar and KhawajaAsif for their suggestions on foreign policy especially the forthcomingsession of the UN General Assembly.
Replying to a query, Qureshi categorically said, “There are pre-conceivednotions about where the foreign policy of Pakistan is made. Let me beclear: The foreign policy will be made here at the Foreign Office.”
He said he would engage with all institutions including national securityinstitutions for their input, similar to the policy across the world.
“Don’t you seek input from CIA and Pentagon? I am aware of their workingand I will work for the betterment of Pakistan,” Qureshi told a foreignjournalist who raised a question on the alleged interference of otherinstitutions in formulation of foreign policy.
The Foreign Minister said he would focus on bridging the trust deficitbetween Pakistan and regional countries and emphasized on putting Pakistanfirst while fostering better relations with neighbouring countries.
Responding to a question over Indo-Pak relations, he said, “Both thecountries are atomic powers. There is no capacity for adventure. Kashmirissue holds significance and India should understand this. Continuousnegotiations are needed. We know the issues are tough and will not besolved overnight, but we have to engage.”
“Indian Prime Minister wrote to PM Imran Khan yesterday and congratulatedhim. He has also indicated the beginning of talks between the twocountries,” he added.
On Pak-US relations, he commented, ” I am well informed of the prioritiesof US as I have worked with them in the past. Relations are based onequality and we also have our own priorities.”
Foreign Minister said he will listen to the US concerns and also put beforethem Pakistan’s viewpoint. He said bilateral relationship should beimproved on the basis of mutual respect and equality.
He expressed his intention to pay a visit to Kabul to move forward onbilateral agreement.
“I want to bring a solid message to the people of Afghanistan. The twocountries share a future and geography, and we have to work together andbegin our long journey,” he said.
The Foreign Minister said he wanted to tell the people of Afghanistan thatthe two countries needed to become the support base of each other, addingthat Pakistan and Afghanistan had the capability to become a good supportmechanism for each other.
Responding to a question about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, ShahMehmood Qureshi said PTI had supported the mega project. He said he willdiscuss with his Chinese counterpart the future initiatives to beundertaken under CPEC for socio-economic development of the country.