MULTAN, Oct 06 (APP)::Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the United Nations (UN) should constitute
a ‘Commission of Inquiry’ to probe atrocities being committed in held Kashmir on the basis of report recently presented by the UN Human Rights Commission.
While addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said
that the Kashmir issue got limelight following presentation of the
UNHR report. He said Pakistan had always exposed brutalities of
Indian army in the held Kashmir and raised voice for Kashmiris’
right to self-determination. Now, the UN report had validated Pakistan
stance on Indian aggression and cruelties in Kashmir, he added.
The minister said that the UN was the best forum to resolve
all international issues. Pakistan wished that the UN should become
more effective for resolution of the world issues. He said that
he met the UN Secretary General and urged him to constitute a
Commission of Inquiry to probe Indian atrocities in held Kashmir.
Responding to a question about Pakistan’s relations with
neighbours, the FM stated that it was wish of every country
that it should have good relations with the neighbouring
countries. He said that Pakistan wanted good relations with
India. He said that restoration of talks was the best option
to resolve all regional issues including poverty, education and
construction of dams. He asked whether there was any other
way out other than talks to resolve issues between Pakistan and
India.
He said Pakistan extended offer of negotiations to India
as a goodwill gesture. India agreed for talks but soon after it
back-tracked on his pledge.
Responding to another query that the PTI used to criticise
the previous government whenever it tried to hold talks with
India, he said the PTI never criticised talks for peace. He said
that holding talks for peace process was different from the
relations for personal businesses.
Pakistan also expressed its proposal to open border for Sikh
pilgrims, he stated. There are many Sikh holy sites in the
country. Similarly, Pakistanis also wish to visit shrines in
India. There are some Bhuddist sites in Pakistan. The proposal
could help promote tourism.
About his recent tour of the UN General Assembly session,
he said that he presented Pakistan’s viewpoint in an effective
manner.
To a question about any output of the recent visit of
America, the foreign minister said that he observed a change
in the attitude of America. Earlier, the US was criticising
Pakistan and issuing warnings on public forums. He said that
he presented Pakistan’s viewpoint to US Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo. He added that the relations between Pakistan
and the US were improving gradually. Qureshi remarked that he
tried his level best that Pakistan services for promotion of
peace be acknowledged at international level.
The foreign minister hailed people for appreciating him
over presentation of Pakistan’s viewpoint in a better way at
the UN General Assembly session.
Responding to another question about Shehbaz Sharif arrest,
Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that National Accountability
Bureau (NAB) and courts were independent institutions. The
cases were not initiated during the PTI government, but in the
tenure of the last government. He, however, maintained that
the PML-N and all others should respect the courts.
To a question about response of Prime Minister Imran Khan
over his visit to the UN General Assembly, the foreign minister
said that he appreciated and congratulated him for presenting
Pakistan’s viewpoint effectively.
