FO Spokesperson condemned and refuted allegations regarding the Kandahar attack

Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Thursday said there is no question of any country pressuring Pakistan over its national interests.

Commenting on the recent statement of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding his country's South Asia Policy, the FO spokesperson during his weekly press briefing in Islamabad reiterated that peace and stability in Afghanistan is also “vital for eliminating the menace of terrorism inside Pakistan and the region in general”.

“Both Pakistan and the United States are currently engaged along with other regional stakeholders to pursue a political settlement in Afghanistan. We want an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process,” he added.

“There is no question of any country applying pressure on Pakistan for something which we believe is in our national interest,” Dr Faisal upheld.

Speaking about the recent elections in Afghanistan, the FO spokesperson said it was a positive development.

Further, he once again condemned and refuted allegations regarding the Kandahar attack. “Afghanistan has not shared any substantial evidence,” he added.

Regarding Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Saudi Arabia the FO spokesperson termed it “successful” and said that the Kingdom not only announced a financial package for Pakistan but also showed great interest in establishing an oil refinery and exploring the mineral resources of the country, Radio Pakistan reported.

The spokesperson further said that the prime minister during his visit also discussed the problems being faced by Pakistani diaspora in Saudi Arabia.

“Reduction in visa fee by Saudi Arabia for Pakistani workers is a significant step towards increasing our workforce in the Kingdom,” he added.

When asked about Pakistan's mediation role in Yemen, he said Pakistan has always worked towards establishing the best of relations amongst the Muslim countries and it will continue to play this role in future as well.

'Not afraid of holding dialogue with India'
Responding to a question, Dr Faisal said, "Pakistan is not afraid of holding dialogue with India."

“It is our considered position that resolution of all issues lies in the dialogue process,” he added.

Expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, Dr Faisal said that Pakistan is actively highlighting the plight of Kashmiri people at every forum.

“Pakistan salutes the courage and commitment of Kashmiri people in the face of Indian brutalities,” he added.