Pakistan wants more US-Iran talks in Islamabad: PM Shehbaz
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan is committed to supporting efforts for lasting regional peace and voiced hope for a second round of direct negotiations between the United States and Iran.
In an interview with British daily The Sunday Times, the prime minister claimed Pakistan was gaining international recognition as an honest mediator who is trusted by world leaders.
He said the current period was one of the finest moments in Pakistan’s history and the whole nation takes pleasure in the country’s rising diplomatic stature.
Peace cannot be attained quickly and it demands patience, prudence and difficult decision: Shehbaz Sharif He stated Pakistan was making efforts to facilitiate another round of negotiations in Islamabad for a permanent settlement.
The prime minister said the excellent collaboration between the political and military leadership of Pakistan has greatly enhanced the country’s worldwide image. He noted that Iran, the US and Gulf countries all trust Pakistan’s diplomatic role.
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He highlighted Pakistan’s strategic importance, citing its strong links with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, its long border with Iran and its closeness to the Strait of Hormuz, an important conduit for world energy supplies.
Any instability in the region could lead to higher oil costs and economic problems for Pakistan, he said.
Shehbaz Sharif also lauded Asim Munir’s efforts in diplomatic endeavors and said his achievements would be etched in history. He also appreciated the efforts of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for continued diplomatic outreach.
Last year, there was international involvement to prevent a massive regional calamity when tensions flared up between Pakistan and India, the prime minister said.
On security issues, he said Pakistan is confronting a new wave of terrorism including banned groups such Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Baloch Liberation Army.
Prime Minister told reporters that operations against militant hideouts in Afghanistan were inevitable. He said Pakistan had sent signals of peace to Kabul repeatedly but could not sit quiet when innocent residents and security forces were being targeted.
He said Pakistan wanted peaceful relations with Afghanistan and simply sought guarantees that Afghan territory would not be utilized by extremist groups against Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif finished by adding that the elimination of terrorism from Pakistan continues to be an inviolable national commitment and that the country was fighting this battle not just for itself but for the larger world.