ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that Pakistan is ready to play its role for peace, but it can never again be part of any war.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, Khan said in a tweet.
“I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State,” the PM said.
He added that Pakistan Army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, would also contact international military leaders to communicate Pakistan’s resolve not to participate in any regional conflict again.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2020
The PM, on several occasions, since he took office in August 2018, has said that he was willing to assume the role of a mediator in the volatile Middle East region that has witnessed a series of conflicts in the last few decades.
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed its “deep concern” over the situation in the region after the US killed Iranian commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad earlier this month.
The ministry also urged all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, engage constructively to de-escalate the situation, and resolve issues through diplomatic means, in accordance with UN Charter and international law.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan military’s media wing, ISPR, said in a tweet that US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper had phoned Gen. Bajwa.
COAS received telephone call from US Secretary of Defence Mr Dr. Mark T. Esper. Both discussed ongoing security situation in the Middle East.The Secretary expressed that US doesn’t want to seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. (1/3).
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 8, 2020
“We will continue to play our constructive part towards success of Afghan reconciliation process so that it doesn’t get derailed and region goes towards conflict resolution instead of new conflicts”, COAS.(3/3).
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) January 8, 2020
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper acknowledged also on Twitter that Gen. Bajwa and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered him “sound advice” on deescalating tensions with Iran.
The United States does not seek conflict, but will respond forcefully if necessary. Afghan President @ashrafghani and Pakistani General Bajwa both offered sound counsel and advice in calls today.
— Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper (@EsperDoD) January 7, 2020
On Jan. 3, the day Soleimani was killed, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a phone call to Gen. Bajwa.
“In official interactions with the US and regional powers, it has emphasized de-escalation, avoidance of war and political means to settle problems,” he said.
On Monday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said while giving a policy statement in parliament that Pakistan “would not become a party to any regional conflict and its “soil will not be used against any other state.”
Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play a role in preventing further escalation of tensions and maintaining regional peace and stability.
