Pakistan has not lost hope, remains on path of peace, diplomacy amid ME escalation: FO spox

ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP): Pakistan has not lost hope and remains firmly on the path of peace and diplomacy with a degree of optimism, despite the recent escalation in the Middle East and shrinking diplomatic space due to fresh hostilities, the Foreign Office spokesperson said on Thursday.

“We remain engaged and we work with a degree of optimism and such optimism is essentially required for a mediator or a facilitator…We understand how the diplomatic space has shrunk because of these hostilities… So we will continue to work with positivity,” Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at his weekly press briefing here on Thursday.

He said that Pakistan remained deeply concerned over the recent escalation in the Middle East and the standoff in the Gulf region, and appealed to the parties to adhere to the understanding reached on the ceasefire and for hostilities not to widen, to create space for dialogue and diplomacy.

He said that Pakistan continued its mediatory efforts with key partners and noted the recent visits and telephone calls between the leadership of Pakistan and other countries, including the Interior Minister’s visit to Tehran carrying a message from country’s leadership.

He also apprised the media of telephone call of Deputy Prime Minister Dar with his Turkish counterpart late Wednesday night wherein they discussed evolving regional situation and underscored the importance of dialogue and restraint. Both expressed hope for an understanding among all parties which will contribute to peace and stability in the region.

Rejecting India’s statements on AJK, the spokesperson rejected India’s remarks in their entirety and highlighted the contrast between the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

He said IIOJK was an illegally annexed, internationally recognised disputed territory whose people have suffered systemic abuses under draconian laws and have been denied their rights, including the right to self-determination, Contrarily, in AJK the government was addressing issues arising within the democratic and constitutional framework.

Commenting on the SIPRI report, Spokesperson Andrabi said the findings were not surprising and corroborated Pakistan’s concerns over India’s vertical proliferation and strategic capabilities including canisterisation, sea-based systems and longer-range ICBMs.

“We are not interested in an arms race or matching warheads, arms and ammunition by number. However, we remain mindful of the evolving security environment. We will continue to take measures essential for preserving strategic stability and deterring any possible Indian aggression,” he added.

Responding to the Indian Water Resources Minister’s statement, he warned that any attempt to block water to Pakistan would be a deeply irresponsible act contrary to international obligations and the Indus Waters Treaty.

Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, he said any such act would be treated with utmost seriousness and would amount to an act of war.

“Pakistan will take all necessary measures to safeguard its economy and its vital national interests and the lives of its 250 million people. We call upon India to take responsibility, honour its international commitments and refrain from statements and actions that would further escalate tensions in the region.”

The spokesperson told the media that in order to secure the release of Pakistani nationals held by Somali pirates for almost 50 days aboard the empty cargo ship, the government was engaged with Somali authorities and the ship owner.

He highlighted recent diplomatic efforts including the Deputy Prime Minister’s call with the Somali Foreign Minister and upcoming inter-ministerial meetings.

He said DPM Dar urged the Somali counterpart to take steps to improve the living conditions of not just the ten Pakistani crew members, but also the seven other crew members of different nationalities.

On xenophobic attacks in South Africa against the African and Asian nationals, Spokesperson Andrabi said that Pakistan’s embassy in Pretoria was actively engaged for the safety of Pakistani nationals. The situation is being handled with cooperation from South African authorities.

Regarding the Pakistani strikes along Pak-Afghan border, he said that they were conducted on credible intelligence with precision targeting of terrorist hideouts linked to the Bannu attack, and emphasised that safety and security of Pakistani citizens remains the top priority.

To a question on the deportation of Pakistanis from the UAE, he said that Pakistani missions were engaged and any left-behind assets would be recovered as Pakistan’s ambassador, consul generals, and community welfare sections were engaged in this process.