ISLAMABAD: As proposals continue to be exchanged between Iran and the US leading towards a final agreement, Pakistan remains “optimistic” and “hopeful” of a peace agreement “sooner than later”.
“You have asked us how soon we can expect an agreement. We remain optimistic. A simple answer would be that we expect an agreement sooner rather than later. We hope that the parties will come to a peaceful, sustainable solution and bring peace, not just to our region but internationally as well,” said the Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi during the weekly media briefing here.
To a query, he did not rule out final settlement between Iran and the US taking place in Islamabad. “We would welcome the settlement wherever it takes place. Of course, if it takes place in Islamabad, it will be an honor and a privilege to host it,” he said.
However, he remained guarded about Pakistan’s role as a mediator and explained that he would not discuss or divulge details on the substance of talk. “We will jealously guard any information that we have, particularly with respect to the specifics,” he said.
Iran on Thursday also updated Pakistan on the recent regional developments when Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi spoke on phone. Dar was also briefed on Araghchi’s recent visit to China and consultations held there.
On the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, the spokesperson clarified that Pakistan never shied away from dialogue with India, on any issue. “The fact that dialogue has not taken place cannot be blamed on Pakistan. I think we have, on a number of occasions, expressed our opinion, our readiness for dialogue. But of course, it takes two to have a dialogue. Even a dialogue has to be meaningful; it has to be a dialogue and not a monologue. So, whilst we would not like to be seen to be asking for a dialogue, we have never shied away from holding one. As to who is responsible for no dialogue is for everybody to judge,” he said.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, the spokesperson said Pakistan reserved the right of exploring all legal political mechanisms, enshrined in the treaty and under international law, to claim its right on the waters of the Indus Basin system, while exploring all options on the table, some of which are underway.
On Afghanistan, the spokesperson made it very clear that the people of two countries had no major dispute, no discord. “But this one-point issue of terrorism, affecting Pakistan, emanating from Afghan soil, is holding back our relations, and this will hold back our relation, as long as the Taliban regime in Kabul does not understand the gravity of the situation and does not check it,” he said. “Pakistan will only open up its border when Kabul makes an unwavering written assurances that their soil will not be used against us,” Andrabi emphasized.
To a query about reports claiming large-scale expulsions of Pakistanis from the UAE, the spokesperson said Pakistani missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were actively managing individual consular cases brought to their attention by the community members or by applicants directly.
Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) were issued, mainly driven by administrative actions, including immigration status violation and other legal infractions.
“Our embassy is in touch with the UAE authorities and has also ensured that in the wake of hostilities in the Gulf region, and in the wake of very serious armed attacks against the UAE, which we have condemned, our community fully comply with the local laws, with the local instructions,” added the spokesperson.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a phone call from Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar.
During their warm and cordial conversation, the two leaders held a productive exchange of views on the current regional situation and reaffirmed their strong commitment to facilitating ongoing efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, APP adds.
Recalling his recent visit to Doha on April 16, Shehbaz said his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari leadership was most helpful in forging a consensus for the peace efforts, says a press statement issued by the PM House.
The prime minister said the people of Pakistan were looking forward to the visit of the Amir of Qatar at an early date, and that his visit would help further strengthen and deepen Pakistan-Qatar ties. The prime minister of Qatar deeply appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region and assured Shehbaz that Qatar would continue to support Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to ensure the security and stability of the Middle East.
Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on all issues of mutual interest.
