Pakistan will continue efforts for political solution to lingering Afghan conflict: FM Qureshi

He said Indian government imposed ban on media in the held territory to hide facts from the world.

WASHINGTON (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said Pakistan is committed to play its due role in de-escalating prevailing tensions and promote peace in the Middle Eastern region.

He said during his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Friday.

During the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on matters pertaining to Pak-US bilateral cooperation, regional security situation, Afghan peace process, and ongoing massive human rights violations in Occupied Kashmir.

The foreign minister expressed regret that the BJP-led Indian government has besieged millions of Kashmiris by imposing ruthless curfew and other restrictions in the held territory. He said that the Indian government imposed ban on media in the held territory to hide facts from the world.

Qureshi said that resolution of Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN resolutions is vital for brining permanent peace and stability to the South Asian region. The foreign minister further said that Pakistan will continue its efforts for political solution to lingering Afghan conflict.

The FM underlined the need of strengthening bilateral trade and investment to materialize joint vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump.

He also briefed the US secretary on his meetings with various leaders during his recent visits to Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The US Secretary lauded Pakistan s sincere and utmost efforts for political solution of Afghan conflict.

Earlier in an exclusive interview with Fox News, FM Qureshi asked the United States for a “responsible” withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and not to repeat the mistake of 80s’ pull out. “Pakistan is asking [the US] for a responsible withdrawal unlike 80s which created a vacuum for the destructive forces to take over,” he said. 

Qureshi, who is in Washington D.C. to hold talks with the US administration in the wake of regional tension, spoke about the commitment of President Donald Trump on pullout of troops stationed in the conflict-hit Afghanistan.

He mentioned that Pakistan facilitated a dialogue with Taliban on the request of President Trump “in a hope for peace and stability”.

To a question on primary goal of his recent talks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani, the foreign minister said it was aimed at de-escalation and diffusion of the conflict to avert negative effects in the region.

On Afghan peace process, he expressed hope of an agreement between the US and Taliban.

“The Taliban are today talking to US and there is a possibility of an agreement,” he said, mentioning about Thursday’s announcement by Taliban of a ceasefire of 7-10 days before they could take next step leading to dialogue.

Asked about the role of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) in supporting the Haqqani network, the foreign minister said, “Let’s not discuss the past but future, which is in every body’s interest.” However, he mentioned ISI’s support for the Afghan peace process.

“ISI has been supporting the peace process. They have been facilitating and have used their little influence to bring the Taliban to negotiation as the US asked for, which they delivered,” he said.

Would Prime Minister Imran Khan participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s regional summit to be held in India this October, he said, “The prime minister is very very clear that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two.” However, he regretted that unfortunately India was showing a negative attitude.

“Look at the repression and use of force going on, and the legislative work undertaken that saw protested all over India,” he said in reference to the siege in occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the controversial passage of bills targeting minorities particularly Muslims.