Pakistan-India tensions: FM Qureshi chairs special consultative meeting

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi chaired a special consultative meeting in the federal capital on Wednesday, ARY News reported.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and high-level officials attended the consultative meeting underway at Foreign Ministry to discuss tensed regional situation and heightened escalation between Pakistan and India.

FM Qureshi said that Indian aggression for achieving its political motives will affect regional peace. He added that Islamabad will continue its diplomatic efforts for restoration of peace in the region.

The meeting decided to enhance contacts with the political leadership of important countries citing emerging challenges to regional peace.

The foreign minister reiterated that Prime Minister Imran Khan has invited India once again to hold dialogues for peace. He clarified that Wednesday’s strike from Pakistan side demonstrated right to self-defence. He said in a Twitter message that Pakistan was not in favour of war and hoped for India to prefer table talks to resolve outstanding issues.

Earlier in the day, the foreign minister told ARY News that he warned India, in yesterday’s press conference that “Pakistan will respond,” and Pakistan has responded today.

He detailed that Pakistan has exercised its right to self-defence by striking down two of Indian fighter jets. He relayed that Pakistan always appreciated dialogues between the two neighbouring countries, but India always turned its back and reacted aggressively against Islamabad.

He said nation stands firm united with its armed forces and urged India that Islamabad ready to have talks with New Delhi, “India should reconsider its policy of aggression,” he continued.

Replying to a query, the minister said future course of action will be decided after the National Command Authority (NCA)’s meeting.