Pakistan against arms race in the region: FO
Both Pakistan and China are open to third party investment in some CPEC projects
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Thursday said that Pakistan was not reviewing projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement was not misreported.
Addressing weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that both Pakistan and China were open to third party investment in some CPEC projects including the special economic zones.
On Saudi Arabia’s inclusion in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Spokesman said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia held discussions on the matter, however details had not been worked out.
He clarified that both China and Pakistan were open to the third-party inclusion in the project, however said that “the agreement was not being reviewed”.
Dr Faisal said that Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi would represent the Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s (SCO) 17th Council of Head of Government Meeting in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on October 11-12.
Responding to a question regarding any chance of meeting between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and India during the SCO conclave, the spokesman said Pakistan would not again make a request for any such meeting.
He termed as “sham” the local body elections in Indian occupied Kashmir and also highlighted the continuous human rights violations in the valley.
Responding to a question, Dr Muhammad Faisal said that Pakistan has not shied away from talks with India and is open to discuss all issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen and terrorism.
About talks with US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad, Dr Faisal said Pakistan conveyed to the US side that it will take all possible steps in good faith to facilitate the political settlement in Afghanistan. However, it remains a shared responsibility and the role of the US, Afghan government and other regional players is important.
The spokesperson said that engagements with the United States has increased ever the since the assumption of present government.
Commenting on recent India-Russia air defense system deal, he said that Pakistan is against arms race in the region.
Dr Faisal said that the countries which are providing weapons to India should make sure that their assistance does not disturb balance of power in the region. He, however also made it clear that Pakistani nation and the armed forces are fully ready to respond to any aggression.
