ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has reaffirmed that Pakistan would neither let its soil be used against any other state nor become part of any regional conflict.

He expressed these views during telephonic conversations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey.

The foreign minister exchanged views with his counterparts on the unfolding situation in the region.

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Highlighting Pakistan’s deep concern over the recent developments, he underscored the need of avoidance of conflict, exercise of maximum restraint, and de-escalation of tensions.

FM Qureshi renewed the call on all parties concerned to abide by the UN Charter and principles of international law to settle differences through peaceful means.

Sharing Pakistan’s perspective, he expressed the hope that the progress made in Afghan peace process would be preserved and further advanced.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to continue to play its role in preventing further escalation and maintaining regional peace and stability.

Iranian general Qasem Soleimani was killed on Jan 3 by the US military in an air strike outside Baghdad International Airport that stunned the Islamic Republic and raised fears of a new Middle East war.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had reported that US forces had killed the commander of its Quds Force foreign operations arm in an air strike at Baghdad International Airport.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had swiftly vowed “strong revenge” and declared mourning for three days.