- Pakistan has full confidence on friendship with China as the country has played a significant role in de escalating tensions between India and Pakistan
BEIJING: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Wednesday that first session of talk on CPEC was held on Tuesday with different Chinese leaders.
‘After the change of regional situation, we need second session of discussion,’ he said adding that India attacked Pakistan on 26th and 27th February. Qureshi was of the opinion that Pakistan took defensive measures against actions by India. ‘First session is fruitful and was in time. We do not compromise on territorial integrity and sovereignty. We have decided that if India does any action or misadventure we will response in time,’ he said adding that in this situation China is playing an important role like age old friends.
In an exclusive interview with DiploMag here, Foreign Minister Qureshi said, ‘Pakistan has full confidence on friendship with China as the country has played a significant role in de escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. In this official tour we discuss very deeply on all issues and China ensures that they stand with Pakistan in all matters,’ he said.
Qureishi said that Pakistan is to play a vital role in dialogue to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Qureishi also dispelled the impression regarding CPEC project and termed the propaganda incorrect and wrong. ‘All rumors against the flagship project are mere rumors without substance,’ he said. .
‘All members endorse CPEC project and Pakistan has successfully completed first phase with confidence and all set to enter in second phase of CPEC. Pakistan launched free economic zones in second phase in which China will move industry to free economic zones,’ he said.
Qureshi said “We opened Kartarpur on demands of Sikh community. World appreciated these steps taken by Pakistan towards peace and friendship with India”.
Another session of dialogues with India will be held from April 2nd, this year, on Wagha border. We hope that these sessions will give fruitful outcomes and resolve all issues and reservations of both side.
Sikh community from around the world visiting Kartarpur on the 550th anniversary will witness Pakistan as a peaceful country. Citizens of Pakistan will warmly welcome Sikh community and they will witness our hospitality, he added.
Furthermore, Qureshi said that dialogue is the only option to resolve issues for both nuclear-armed countries. India should come on table for talk. If India has internal political issues about election which are away head and is not ready for dialogue in these crucial days, it’s up to them. Pakistan is always ready to engage in dialogue with ruling party and new coming ruling party of India.
‘Indian security officials boosted its atrocities on the innocent students of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) post Pulwama attack,’ he said adding that
Pakistan wants peace and stability in region and wants to work for humanity and uplift poverty from the region. Both countries show realistic thought on these matters, he mentioned.
Qureshi also wished Hindu community on their Holi festival. ‘Pakistan is also celebrating Holi event with Hindu community and have arranged different events for celebration across the country,’ he said.
Qureshi also condemned attack on two mosques in New Zealand and said that 50 innocent Muslims were brutally martyred. ‘Pakistan stands with Muslim community in New Zealand and our sympathies are with families,’ he said.
‘India condemned the aforementioned attack but did not mentioned martyred Muslims. Pakistan defend all minorities and their rights and also give security to all holy places of minorities,’ he said.
Qureshi said that China participates in all economic issues as it has a role in it and we support them. We are providing foolproof security to all the foreign investors and it’s our responsibility to resume all hurdles or make easy way for investors. ‘We have already established a force to provide security to Chinese investors,’ he said.
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on April 25th on Belt and Road forum. Leaders of more than 36 countries will also participate in Belt and Road Forum.
PM Imran Khan also meet with leaderships of other countries. 2nd BRI forum is very important and Pakistan is the role model of this project for other participants of BRI.
Imran khan admires President Xi Jinping’s vision and aims to follow China as a role model in all sectors. China created millions of opportunities for whole world and is helping to escalate poverty.
‘We have good coordination and clarity in thoughts between civil and military leaders,’ he said.
Qureshi also said that Pakistan is open for entire world after online-visa regime decision. Travelers from 50 countries can visit Pakistan and get on-arrival visa. Moreover, citizens of 175 countries can apply online-visa of business and tourist category. ‘The applicants will get visa in one week without any hurdle and difficulty through the online system of National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA). This step will promote tourism and encourage foreign investors,’ he said.
Qureshi also expressed that China support Pakistan to come out from grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan to take strict action against money laundering and eliminated almost all terrorist in Pakistan. Government has been taking every possible step to chock the funding of extremist and terrorist banned outfits.
