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Friday, October 4, 2024

No compromise on ‘National Interests’, FO reaffirms

News Analysis |

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has once again clarified that there will be no compromise on the national interests. Spokesperson of FO, Dr. Muhammad Faisal said during his weekly news briefing on Thursday said that “there is no question of any country applying pressure on Pakistan for something which we believe is in our national interest.”

The FO spokesman also commented on United States (US) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent statement about his country’s South Asia Policy, emphasizing that peace in the region in interlinked.

“Peace and stability in Afghanistan is also vital for eliminating the menace of terrorism inside Pakistan and the region in general,” he said while adding, “Both Pakistan and the United States are currently engaged along with other regional stakeholders to pursue a political settlement in Afghanistan. We want an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process”.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s recent statement about his country’s South Asia Policy, emphasizing that peace in the region in interlinked.

It is important to mention here that recently American Secretary of State Mr. Pompeo has said, “Our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbor to terrorists on their western border,” Pompeo told reporters when asked about Islamabad’s role in War on Terror. He maintained the threatening tone US has always had said,

“We couldn´t have made that message any clearer,” he said, adding: “Pakistan will be held to account if they don’t achieve that if they’re not sincere in that effort.” Since the PM Imran Khan has assumed the office he has repeatedly said that his government will prefer to establish friendly relations with all the states. But Mr. Khan is critical of USA’s ‘do more’ policy.

Read more: Is Pakistan a free country?

He recently reaffirmed that there will be no compromise on the national interests of Pakistan. The PM was chairing a meeting at the Foreign Office to give policy lines to the ministry in order to frame the foreign policy. PM Khan has already mentioned in his maiden speech that the Pakistani embassies should keep eyes opened over the Pakistanis who are living abroad.

During the meeting, PM dictated that performance of Pakistani missions abroad should be improved. “A positive image of Pakistan should be promoted on a global level,” the premier urged during the meeting which was attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other officials.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has once again clarified that there will be no compromise on the national interests.

Image of Pakistan

Pakistan has remained unable to present its image as a powerful and peaceful country before the international community. India, on the other hand, has successfully posed itself as emerging soft-power. Analysts in Pakistan argue that India has used Bollywood and its writers smartly to create its positive image. Pakistan which has been a victim of terrorism is blamed for the mess created by other states or non-state actors within and outside Pakistan.

Read more: Pakistan Foreign Office reacts to the US sanctions against Pakistani companies

There have been no effective measures taken by Pakistan’s foreign office or any premiers in the country to prioritizing portrayal of soft side of the country and its people at international level. PM Khan has always been vocal to differ with a popular expression on media regarding the war on terror. He is very clear about the sacrifices Pakistan has given and policies it has made so far to counter terrorism and extremism.