Pakistan has once again called for avoiding collateral damage to win the hearts and minds of the people in the war against terrorism.
Responding to the queries of media persons at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday over the other day’s drone attack , Foreign office Spokesman Abdul Basit termed it as violation of Pakistan’s sovereignity which he said can not be condoned.
He said Islamabad’s position on drone attacks is clear and we are of the view that winning the hearts and minds of the people is crucial in the fight against violent extremism.
About the relations with the United States, Abdul Basit said at present the parliamentary committee on national security is reviewing the contonours of relations with the United States. He said Pakistan’s New Ambassador to Washington called on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and discussed the present state of relations.
To a question, Abdul Basit said no Pakistani missions abroad including in London has received any visa application from Mansur Ejaz, the main character behind the memo controversy.
To a question, the foreign office spokesperson ruled out recognition of Israel. He said we do not have any relations with the Jewish state and the matter is not under consideration to recognize it.
About the MFN status to India, the foreign office spokesperson said a decision in principle has already been taken to enhance trade ties with New Delhi. At present the ministry of commerce is engaged in the consultation process with all the stakeholders for improved trade ties with India.
He said we are not back tracking on the matter and the whole process vis-a-vis granting of Most Favoured Nation status to India will be completed by October this year.
Answering a question regarding the visit of a British delegation to Islamabad, Abdul Basit said both the countries want to enhance strategic dialogue for promotion of trade and economic ties. Both the sides want to enhance trade to 2.5 billion pounds by 2015.
About the recent tension in US-Iran relations, the foreign office spokesman expressed the confidence that both the sides will resolve their matters peacefully through the dialogue process.
He hoped that situation will not be allowed to exacerbate as the region can not afford another conflict in the present environment. He said we respect Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, adding all countries should respect international obligations.
To a question regarding the Pakistani prisoners languishing in Saudi Jails, the spokesman said our missions there have made vigorous efforts for the release of Pakistani prisoners. But there are issues of domestic rules and regulations. SANA
Responding to the queries of media persons at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday over the other day’s drone attack , Foreign office Spokesman Abdul Basit termed it as violation of Pakistan’s sovereignity which he said can not be condoned.
He said Islamabad’s position on drone attacks is clear and we are of the view that winning the hearts and minds of the people is crucial in the fight against violent extremism.
About the relations with the United States, Abdul Basit said at present the parliamentary committee on national security is reviewing the contonours of relations with the United States. He said Pakistan’s New Ambassador to Washington called on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and discussed the present state of relations.
To a question, Abdul Basit said no Pakistani missions abroad including in London has received any visa application from Mansur Ejaz, the main character behind the memo controversy.
To a question, the foreign office spokesperson ruled out recognition of Israel. He said we do not have any relations with the Jewish state and the matter is not under consideration to recognize it.
About the MFN status to India, the foreign office spokesperson said a decision in principle has already been taken to enhance trade ties with New Delhi. At present the ministry of commerce is engaged in the consultation process with all the stakeholders for improved trade ties with India.
He said we are not back tracking on the matter and the whole process vis-a-vis granting of Most Favoured Nation status to India will be completed by October this year.
Answering a question regarding the visit of a British delegation to Islamabad, Abdul Basit said both the countries want to enhance strategic dialogue for promotion of trade and economic ties. Both the sides want to enhance trade to 2.5 billion pounds by 2015.
About the recent tension in US-Iran relations, the foreign office spokesman expressed the confidence that both the sides will resolve their matters peacefully through the dialogue process.
He hoped that situation will not be allowed to exacerbate as the region can not afford another conflict in the present environment. He said we respect Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, adding all countries should respect international obligations.
To a question regarding the Pakistani prisoners languishing in Saudi Jails, the spokesman said our missions there have made vigorous efforts for the release of Pakistani prisoners. But there are issues of domestic rules and regulations. SANA
