Pakistan actively engaged with Iran to deal with coronavirus spread: FO spokesperson
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui on Thursday said Pakistan was actively engaged with the Iranian government to deal with the spread of coronavirus and the evolving situation.
At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad, FO Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan fully supported the efforts of Iranian authorities in managing the outbreak of the virus. “We stand in solidarity with them.”
The spokesperson said our embassy and two consulates in Iran were alert and monitoring the situation closely and were reaching out to the Pakistani community there including Zaireen and students. “Helplines have also been established in the embassy and the consulates to provide necessary updates and assistance to the community members,” she said.
Also Read: Responding to aggressor is our compulsion, says air chief on ‘Surprise Day’
Aisha Farooqui expressed grave concerns over the violence against Muslims including desecration of mosques in New Delhi. She said, “Our leadership as well as the international community has also raised their concerns on the situation.” She said the state oppression that the Kashmiri people had been suffering for decades at the hands of Indian authorities had now found its way in the Indian capital.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had welcomed the mediation offer made by the US President Donald Trump during his visit to India. She pointed out that the US President also lauded Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism during the visit. “The very remarks are a manifestation of upward trajectory in Pakistan-US relations. There is an increasing awareness in the world that resolution of Kashmir dispute is the key for peace and stability in the region,” she said.
The spokesperson however said Pakistan had concerns over the defense deals between the US and India especially the sale of sophisticated weapon system to New Delhi. This, she said, will further destabilize the already volatile region. “We have alerted the international community many times about India’s aggressive designs not only towards Pakistan but also other countries in the region,” she said
She said Pakistan had been the victim of state terrorism emanating from the eastern border. She said, “We have shared our concerns in this regard with the international community.”
Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan welcomed the peace deal to be signed between the US and Afghan Taliban on Saturday. She expressed the confidence that it would pave the way for intra Afghan dialogue. She hoped this historic opportunity would be seized by all the Afghan parties to take the people of Afghanistan towards peace and stability.
She said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will represent Pakistan at the peace agreement signing ceremony.
The spokesperson said Pakistan had played a significant role in facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.
Aisha Farooqui confirmed that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan was on the cards. She said both the sides were working on the schedule of the visit.
