FO Spokeswoman notes Pakistan importance with relations to Iran, Saudia

FO Spokeswoman notes Pakistan importance with relations to Iran, Saudia and US. Pakistan is an important country in the region and it has historic relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Aisha Farooqui said this, while addressing weekly news briefing in Islamabad today on Thursday.

FO Spokeswoman notes Pakistan importance

Specially, she referred to foreign minister’s recent visits. 

She said that during his engagements in Tehran and Saudi Arabia put forward Pakistan’s point of view that war is in nobody’s interest and that we are partner for peace.

However, the spokesperson vowed Pakistan will continue to play its role for reduction of tension and peace and stability in the region.

Taliban delegation visit

On restoration of stalled peace process between the United States and Taliban, she said Pakistan welcomed resumption of talks. She said Pakistan hoped for their conclusion at the earliest.

Pakistan also welcomed negotiations and other agreements including ceasefire.

Aisha Farooqi confirmed that a Taliban delegation visited Islamabad a few days back on invitation of a think-tank. She said the Foreign Office was aware of the activity She added that chief of Hizb-e-Wahdat Mardam-e-Afghanistan Haji Muhammad Mohaqiq led the delegation.

10,000 Pakistani imprisoned in 28 countries

Meanwhile, she balso spoke on 10,000 Pakistani imprisoned in 28 countries across the world.

However, she said half of them were convicted of criminal charges including smuggling. 

She said Saudi Arabia has so far released 579 Pakistani prisoners under the clemency which Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman announced in February last.

During a visit to Pakistan he had vowed to release 2,000 Pakistani prisoners as a goodwill gesture.

Saudi releases Pakistanis

Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqi further said that the mission was in touch with the Saudi authorities.

On the issue of Pakistanis in Saudi jails, she said 1,500 additional prisoners released under other sorts of clemency or on completion of their sentences.

She said the country’s embassies and consulates in last few years arranged over 13,000 consular access meetings in different countries and jurisdictions. 

She called it an effort to assist Pakistani prisoners.

“The government is fully cognizant of its responsibilities and is engaged with other governments for the release of Pakistani prisoners,” she said.

Furthermore, she said the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum was on the cards, details of which would be shared in due time.

GTV