Opposition parties joining hands for own vested interests: Qureshi

MULTAN, Oct 27 (APP)::Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday said opposition political parties were joining hands not for strengthening democracy but for the sake of their own vested interests.
The rival political parties of the past, he said, were today becoming friends to escape from the accountability process. Their alliance would prove the stance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had played friendly opposition during their governments.
Talking to media persons here, he said the criticism by some elements on the initiatives being taken by the government for the country’s betterment was out of place.
The foreign minister said the PPP had not made any sincere efforts for the establishment of South Punjab as a separate province during its last government tenure. Now both the PPP and the PML-N should extend cooperation to the PTI government to pass a resolution from the parliament for the purpose as the latter did not have the required numbers for it, he added.
To a query, he said it would be good for the country, if its economy got a boost from the financial package pledged by Saudi Arabia. Some elements, however, were not ready to digest it, he added.
To another question, Qureshi said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a symbol of cordial ties between the two countries. Prime Minister Imran Khan would call on the top Chinese leadership during his visit to China from November 2, which would yield positive results for the country.
Replying to another query, the foreign minister said Afghanistan should avoid blame game in the wake of Kandhar attack, which had taken place due to their own security lapse. They should investigate as to how the attackers managed to reach the sensitive place, he said, adding Pakistan always wanted good ties with all its neighbours, including Afghanistan.
Qureshi said the appointment of career diplomats at mission abroad was meant at presenting Pakistan’s point of view strongly. The previous government had deputed diplomats mostly on political basis, he added.
He said the Indian held Kashmir was a longstanding core issue, which needed to be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. “I have presented the Kashmir issue at every platform effectively,” he added.
He said the nation stood united on the Kashmir issue.
To a question, the foreign minister refuted that an Israeli plane had landed anywhere in the country. The
quarters concerned had already issued rebuttal in that regard, he added.
PTI workers and local office bearers were also present on the occasion.