Foreign Office says Pakistan against arms race in region

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Thursday said Pakistan had emphatically stated that it is against arms race in the region.

“The countries which are providing weapons to India should make sure that their assistance does not disturb balance of power in the region,” he said while commenting on recent India-Russia air defense system deal during weekly news briefing in Islamabad.

He however also made it clear that Pakistani nation and the armed forces were fully ready to respond to any aggression.

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To a query, Dr Muhammad Faisal said that Pakistan had not shied away from talks with India and was open to discuss all issues including Jammu and Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen and terrorism.

He said that Pakistan’s engagements with the United States had increased ever since the assumption of the present government.

About recently held talks with US Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad, the spokesperson said Pakistan conveyed to the US side that it would take all possible steps in good faith to facilitate the political settlement in Afghanistan.

“However, it remains a shared responsibility and the role of the US, Afghan government and other regional players is important,” he said.

To another question, Faisal said both Pakistan and China were open to third party investment in some China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects including the special economic zones.

To a query, Dr Muhammad Faisal said there was no ban on the INGOs in Pakistan.

He said there were no restrictions on media in Pakistan and the media outlets were operating freely.