Peace in Afghanistan is equal to peace in Pakistan; Islamabad wants better relations with neighbours
Online
ISLAMABAD
Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has sought suggestions from envoys of different countries over recent US policy. The three-day conference of selected Pakistani envoys is underway in Islamabad to discuss important foreign policy matters.
Pakistan’s envoys in various countries, including the United States, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Afghanistan, Iran, and India are participating in the conference.
The participants are discussing potential strength of the foreign policy and options available in view of the current geo-political and regional situation.
Addressing the inaugurating session of the conference, the foreign minister said Pakistan is a peace loving country and wants relation on equal terms with neighboring countries. He further said that Pakistan will continue its moral, political and diplomatic support to Kashmiri people with raising voice against violation of human rights in Occupied Kashmir.
The minister further said that peace in Afghanistan is equal to peace in Pakistan, adding that Islamabad always stated that military solution is not possible for peace in Afghanistan. In reply to dialogue offer of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, the minister welcomed the gesture saying the offer support the stance of Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will chair the concluding session.
Foreign Minister deplores persecution of Rohingya Muslims in Burma
Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has expressed deep anguish at the ongoing violence against the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. He emphasized that the plight of the Rohingya Muslims was a challenge to the conscience of the international community
In this context, the Foreign Minister supported OIC’s position condemning the renewed violence affecting the Rohingya Muslim minority resulting in thousands fleeing their homes as well as the systematic and organized destruction of their villages and homes. In a statement, the foreign minister supported the call by the OIC-IPHRC for immediate and effective action to bring an end to all human-rights violations against innocent and unarmed Rohingya Muslim population.
He said the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Commission to address the issues of citizenship, freedom of movement, internally displaced persons, unhindered humanitarian and media access, provision of education, health, and other development requirements as well as urgent and sustained action to prevent violence, maintain peace, foster reconciliation and offer a sense of hope to the Rohingya Muslims.
Foreign Minister added that violence and serious human right violations of the Rohingya Muslims as well as violation of international humanitarian law is deplorable. He also expressed concern over the spread of hate speech and incitement to violence, discrimination and prejudice against Muslims and members of national ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.
Foreign Minister underscored Pakistan’s constant support for oppressed Muslim populations including in Indian occupied Kashmir, Palestine, and the Rohingya Muslims. Pakistan supported the implementation of the Resolution on the situation of the Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers earlier this year that, inter alia, calls upon OIC member states to alleviate the suffering and hardship of the Rohingya Muslim minority by providing humanitarian assistance in the spirit of Islamic solidarity.
Pakistan is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya Muslims to alleviate their suffering, he added.
