Minister of Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi stated that Pakistan has built cordial relations with all its neighbors except India, which continues to function under an extremist government, ruled by autocrats. He outlined India’s efforts in trying to ‘diplomatically isolate’ Pakistan, adding that it had failed to succeed.
Rejecting the opposition’s claim regarding Pakistan’s isolation, he advised all political parties to follow a bipartisan approach to foreign affairs, aligned with the country’s national interest.
“Pakistan has excellent relations with all its neighbours and other countries, except India,” said the Foreign Minister, stating that “Pakistan is not isolated in the world.”
“India tried to isolate Pakistan but failed. Our relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan are good.” he said.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also condemned Bilawal Bhutto’s remarks regarding the Kashmir issue, terming it an ‘irresponsible’ statement.
“The statement about Kashmir deal was irresponsible and childish,” he said.
Foreign Minister Qureshi further stressed on the importance of stable relations with India stating that “there is no denying the fact that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan. There can be no deal on Kashmir. Our government presented the Kashmir case to the international community in no uncertain terms.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs delineated Pakistan’s burgeoning relationship with Afghanistan, while also outlining the country’s growing success with China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
