Pakistan calls for orderly responsible withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan

Pakistan calls for orderly responsible withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan to avert any security vacuum.

Foreign Office spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said, while answering a question at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad today (Thursday).

Pakistan calls for orderly responsible withdrawal of US troops

He said Pakistan has consistently remained supportive of the ongoing Afghan peace process.

He further expressed Pakistan’s commitment for peace in Afghanistan and prosperity of the Afghan people.

However, he reiterated stance regarding an orderly and responsible pullout of US forces from Afghanistan.

The FO spokesman said Pakistan support the Afghan-owned and Afghan-led settlement of the situation.

While answering another question, he said Pakistan wants resolution of all outstanding disputes with India through dialogue but Kashmir remains the core issue.

He said India’s illegal and unilateral acts of 5 August 2019 vitiated the environment.

Therefore, now onus remains on India to create enabling environment for meaningful and result oriented dialogue.

Responding to another question, he said all Chinese nationals are safe in the recent terrorist attack in Quetta.

He said adequate security measures placed for the security of Chinese nationals and diplomats working in Pakistan.

Regional security and Pak Iran ties

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also discussed regional security situation with his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif.

During Tehran visit, he discussed region with particular focus on latest developments in the Afghan Peace Process.

Moreover, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

The FM also highlighted convergence of views between Pakistan and Iran on the shared objective of an inclusive politically negotiated settlement.

GTV