Pakistan’s top diplomat, Sartaj Aziz, on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pakistan in December was an indication that both the countries preferred dialogue to solve the bila
Pakistan’s top diplomat, Sartaj Aziz, on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pakistan in December was an indication that both the countries preferred dialogue to solve the bilateral issues.
Mr Aziz said that Mr Modi’s Lahore visit revitalised Pakistan-India efforts to better relations and solve outstanding issues.
Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Shahida Rehmani had posed a question in the national assembly asking Mr Aziz to clarify whether Prime Minister Modi had visited counterpart Nawaz Sharif’s residence in Lahore’s Jati Umra for a business deal or attend his granddaughter’s wedding.
Earlier, Mr Aziz said Pakistan had neither signed an official agreement with Saudi Arabia nor joined 34-country alliance to fight terror.
Mr Aziz, adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on foreign affairs, said that Pakistan had welcomed Saudi-called grand alliance among 34 countries against extremism however, the country is yet to formally join the bloc yet. He said that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia for stability and sovereignty.
In a written reply on the matter in the national assembly, he cited need for technical assistance and other detailed discussions in the matter before taking a step.
He said that other Muslim countries were also joining the grand alliance in bid to root-out terrorism.
“However, interest of Syria, Iraq and Iran about participation has not been asked. A meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of the alliance was to be held in February however, no tentative date has been given so far,” he added.
If a meeting is held, Pakistan would raise question regarding participation of the three Muslim countries, he added. The Advisor said that Pakistan would stand by Saudi Arabia for stability and sovereignty. He said that 1,000 to 1,200 Pakistani troops were always in Saudi in commemoration of defence agreement signed in 1982. Earlier on January13, Mr Aziz had said Pakistan was part of Saudi Arabia-led alliance but would not send its forces. He had said that sending forces in any country is against the policy. Pakistan would only send its forces for peace keeping missions of the United Nations, he added. He said Saudi has not requested Pakistan to send its forces. On December 15, Pakistan had sought a report from Saudi authorities over announcement of Pakistan s participation without having reached a decision through consultation. Foreign Office contacted Pakistani ambassador in Riyadh and demanded a report on the issue. Saudi Arabia had announced Pakistan’s name in past as well as an ally against Yemen.
