ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesman Dr. Muhammad Faisal says Pakistan willcontinue to take measures to deter external aggression in accordance withits defence needs and region- specific threat spectrum.

Addressing weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Friday, he said all stateshave legitimate right to pursue peaceful use of nuclear technology andPakistan firmly commits to its policy of restraint in this connection, andexpects the same from others.

He said strategic stability in the region is a shared responsibility andmust be adhered to by all states for sustainable peace.

Responding to a question about Indian Amy Chief’s statement about themartyrdoms along the Line of Control, the Spokesman said such statementsare a reflection of Indian mindset while Pakistan still believes inpeaceful neighborhood, which must be reciprocated by others.

He said Indian involvement in acts of sabotage in Pakistan is no secret andthe case of Kulbhushan Yadav bears witness to the fact.

To another question about a recent bill tabled in the US House ofRepresentatives, the Spokesman said we are closely monitoring the bill butit is in preliminary stages.

He said Pakistan has decided not to seek US assistance in future and weplace it on record that past assistance had served the mutual interests ofthe two countries, and this fact has been acknowledged repeatedly by theUnited States.

To a question about Afghanistan, Dr Faisal said positive engagement withAfghanistan continues and we believe that an end to conflict throughpolitical process and dialogue is a must for ensuring peace in the region.

About Maldives, Dr Faisal said Pakistan has longstanding relations withMaldives and expects that issues settle there as per law and democracyensured there.

The Spokesman said four joint working groups between Pakistan and China onenergy, transport and infrastructure, Gwadar and security continue to holdconsultations and the Chinese delegation is in Islamabad for the meeting offourth Group on Security. – Radio Pakistan