Pakistan supports all initiatives which bring peace to the region: COAS

Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan wants to de-escalate prevailing tense situation in the Middle East.

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – United States Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper on Wednesday telephoned Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed the ongoing security situation in Middle East.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the US secretary of defence said that the US doesn’t want to seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. 

COAS received telephone call from US Secretary of Defence Mr Dr. Mark T. Esper. Both discussed ongoing security situation in the Middle East.The Secretary expressed that US doesn’t want to seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. (1/3).

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 8, 2020

Speaking on the occasion, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan wants to de-escalate prevailing tense situation in the Middle East, and shall support all initiatives which bring peace to the region. 

“We will continue to play our constructive part towards success of Afghan reconciliation process so that it doesn’t get derailed and region goes towards conflict resolution instead of new conflicts”, COAS.(3/3).

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 8, 2020

The COAS called upon all concerned to avoid rhetoric in favour of diplomatic engagement, adding that we all have worked a lot to bring peace in the region by fighting against terrorism.

General Bajwa said that we will continue to play our constructive part towards success of Afghan reconciliation process so that it doesn’t get derailed and region goes towards conflict resolution instead of new conflicts.

Read Also: US-Iran Tensions: PM Imran directs FM Qureshi to visit US, Iran, KSA

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit and meet respective foreign ministers in Iran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United States.

In his tweet, the prime minister said, "I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State." 

I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State; & COAS Gen Bajwa to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play it s role for peace but it can never again be part of any war

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2020

Imran Khan further said he had also asked Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa "to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play it s role for peace but it can never again be part of any war."

Previously today, expressing Pakistan’s deep concern over the evolving situation in the Gulf and Middle East, PM Imran Khan underlined the imperative of avoiding any further escalation.

Know More: 80 people dead as Iran fires missiles at US forces in Iraq

The prime minister while talking to Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs of Oman Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami, stressed that war was in nobody’s interest and called for immediate measures for de-escalation.

Recalling that Pakistan had suffered greatly due to earlier regional conflicts, the prime minister made it clear that it would not be part of any conflict in the region. He also recalled his earlier efforts for facilitation of contacts between the United States and Iran as well as Iran and Saudi Arabia for peaceful resolution of differences and disputes.

Imran Khan said Pakistan would always be a partner for peace and in that regard, it would continue to play its role in seeking to defuse tensions, prevent a conflict, and preserve the peace.

Tensions between the US and Iran heightened when last Friday Al Quds commander Qassem Soleimani was killed by a US drone strike ordered by President Trump.

War is not in anyone s interest: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while talking to Dunya News said war is not in the interest of anyone and that its dangerous for the peace.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the Middle East situation and that the region should refrain from going into any severe circumstances. The use of power should be avoided, he stressed.

Qureshi said that the escalating situation can affect Afghan peace process. Pakistan is desirous of peace and stability in the region and will continue to play its role to maintain it, he went on to say.

The minister further urged the United Nations to play its role in de-escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington-D.C. in the best interest of the region.

Iran claims of killing 80 US terrorists

Iran fired a volley of missiles at Iraqi bases housing US and other foreign troops, the Islamic republic s first act in its promised revenge for the US killing of a top Iranian general.

Iranian state television claimed that at least 80 "American terrorists" were killed in attacks involving 15 missiles Tehran launched on US targets in Iraq, adding that none of the missiles were intercepted. The claim could not be independently verified and the state television did not provide evidence of how it obtained that information.

Citing a senior Revolutionary Guards Corps source, the state television also said Iran had 100 other targets in the region in its sights if Washington took any retaliatory measures.

It also said US helicopters and military equipment were "severely damaged".

"Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq," the Pentagon said.

"It is clear that these missiles were launched from Iran and targeted at least two Iraqi military bases hosting US military and coalition personnel."

The missiles targeted the sprawling Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and a base in Arbil, both housing American and other foreign troops deployed as part of a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group.

Condemnations

The strikes sparked worldwide condemnation and calls for de-escalation, including from NATO, Germany, France and the UK.

France said its forces deployed in Iraq sustained no casualties while the UK was concerned about "reports" of victims as British troops are stationed there.

The Norwegian military said coalition troops were warned of the attack in advance through intelligence channels.

Claiming the attack, Iran s Revolutionary Guards Corps said it hit Ain al-Asad with dozens of missiles in response to Friday s US drone strike in Baghdad that killed senior Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

It warned any US counter-attack would be met with an even "more crushing response" and threatened to strike Israel and America s "allied governments".