FM Qureshi decides not to participate in OIC Summit in Abu Dhabi
Shah Mehmood Qureshi addressed the Parliament and made the announcement.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday has announced that Pakistan will not participate in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit being held in Abu Dhabi in protest against sending invitation to Indian Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.
He was addressing the joint session of the Parliament.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he contacted OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen twice after the Pulwama incident to urge it to withdraw the invitation to Indian Minister for External Affairs. He said in his latest letter to the OIC last night, he regretted attending the forum if the invitation to India is not rescinded.
Meanwhile, the House has unanimously approved resolution against Indian aggression.
Earlier today, FM Qureshi said that Pakistan wants peace in the region and decision to release Indian Fighter Pilot Abhinandan Varthman is a gesture to de-escalate the situation.
In an interview with Cable News Network (CNN), Qureshi said India had created a tense situation in the region violating Pakistan airspace and international laws.
The minister said Pakistan never wanted escalation as Prime Minister Imran Khan has several times said that if India takes one step, we will take two. He said Pakistan will not allow any organization or individual to use its soil against any country including India. He added if India has solid evidence about Pulwama incident, it should sit and talk over it.
Qureshi reiterated that United Nations and the US can play a significant role in de-escalation of tensions in the region. He said President Trump and other high officials have acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s efforts toward peace in Afghanistan.
The minister said the incumbent government wants to concentrate on fixing the economic issues of the country and bold measures have been taken to eradicate corruption from Pakistan.
