ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi stressed on Monday thatPakistan’s interests are the first priority as the foreign policy willbegin 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.