ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has unveiled Pakistanforeign policy vis a vis America.
He said Pakistan wanted to improve relations with the United States but notat the expense of its national interests.
Speaking at the floor of the Senate, the minister said weightage will begiven to the opinion of the people as well as the elected representativeswhile taking forward relations with Washington. He said national securityand the foreign policy were interlinked and “we should demonstrate unisonon them.” “Political differences should be kept aside on national securityand foreign policy matters. Given the challenges facing the country, onlyunity can strengthen our voice,” he maintained.
Responding to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Senator Raza Rabbani’s requestfor reply on telephonic conservation between Prime Minister Imran Khan andUS Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, Qureshi reiterated, “US StateDepartment readout regarding the phone call was contrary to facts. Theconversation between PM Imran and Pompeo was cordial and constructive innature.” The press release issued by Pakistan on the conversation is basedon facts, he upheld, and also shared that Pompeo is expected to visitPakistan on September 5.
Speaking in the Upper House, Finance Minister Asad Umer cleared the airregarding seeking a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund(IMF). “The government does not intend to approach IMF for now,” heannounced, adding the statement of US administration pertaining to bailoutpackage was unnecessary. “Even if Pakistan goes to the IMF, this won’t bethe first time that Pakistan has opted for the program. We have gone to theprogram 12 times previously,” he said.
Asad Umer acknowledged that country’s economic situation was on ‘lifesupport’. “We will put the situation in front of public and consult theparliament before making any decision,” he maintained.