ISLAMABAD – Rebuffing the US intelligence reports presented to the Congressthat Pakistan is drifting away from the US, the Foreign Office on Fridaystated that despite long term partnership, it is Washington in reality,which is drifting away from Pakistan.

At the regular weekly news briefing here, Foreign Office Spokesperson DrMuhammad Faisal expressed his surprise over the recent US intelligencereports that Pakistan is drifting away from Washington.The spokesperson pointed out that the US took several unilateral steps inrecent months which have actually impacted the relationship. It is for theUS to rebuild the trust.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan has categorically conveyed to the USthat this relationship can move forward in an environment of mutual trustand respect. He said we want to take forward this relationship afteridentifying some joint goals.

Responding to a question, Dr Muhammad Faisal said Pakistan has seriousconcerns over the motion moved by the US and the UK at the Financial ActionTask Force to put the country on the grey list. He pointed out that most ofthe concerns by the US regarding deficiencies in anti-money laundering andcombating the financing of terrorism had already been addressed in 2015when Pakistan got an exit from the grey list.

Recounting the measures taken by the country, the spokesperson said thieexit from the grey list was acknowledgment of the country’s robustmechanism against money laundering and terrorism which is in line with theinternational standards.

When asked about accusations made by the Indian Army Chief that Pakistanand China are behind the influx of people from Bangladesh to India’snortheast, the spokesperson termed them a figment of the Indian ArmyChief’s imagination.

He said unfortunately baseless allegations and fabricated accusationsappear to have become a regrettable trend and a norm in India. He said thisis being done to create hysteria against Pakistan. He was of the view thatsuch irresponsible attitude vitiates the tense environment without accruingany benefit.

The spokesperson said tension on the Line of control is a cause of concernfor us and the international community.Responding to a question, Dr Muhammad Faisal said the most viable solutionto the Afghan conflict is through a politically negotiated settlementbetween the Afghan government and the warring factions. There is noalternative to an Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process. He said thisis our principled stance that all parties pursue peace process for peaceand stability in the neighboring country.

To a question, the spokesperson clarified that Pakistan has not sent troopsto Saudi Arabia to become part of Islamic military alliance.

He said the troops have been committed for the training purpose. He said weare maintaining a balance in our relations with the Middle Easterncountries.

About China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project, the spokesperson said it isa win project not only for Pakistan and China but the whole region. Hemaintained that Gwadar and Chabahar ports will complement each other.