Pakistan won’t allow use of its soil against anyone: DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI (92 News) – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor on Sunday has reiterated that Pakistan would not allow use of its soil against anyone. During an interview with private TV channel, the DG ISPR said that Pakistan believes that any tension in the region is against peace efforts. Giving message on behalf of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa, Asif Ghafoor said, “We will not allow our soil to be used against anyone.” “Pakistan will not be party to anyone or anything but will be a partner of peace and peace alone,” he mentioned as quoting the premier. To a question about the killing of top Iran’s military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US strike, the DG ISPR mentioned that the regional situation had been altered. Asif Ghafoor said, during a call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, COAS Bajwa had stressed the need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement following the killing of Soleimani. “Gen Bajwa said the escalation in region should be decreased, don’t try to spoil the efforts of afghan peace process,” the DG ISPR explained. “On the basis of security our region has been facing problems. The media should portray positive image of Pakistan,” the ISPR director general said. “Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has played key role for stability in the region. “We know how to defend our borders. Pakistan does not want war in the region and we have defeated terrorism in Pakistan. We will ensure stability in the region,” he further elaborated. The DG ISPR also said that India has chosen a path which brings it to the brinks of destruction, whereas, the role of Pakistan should be taken in positive angle for its efforts to the regional peace. “I have heard the statements of the Indian army chief. He is the newly appointed army chief and busy in making his place right now. He is completely aware of the regional situation and [the capabilities] Pakistani forces. “Our forces knew well how to defend our country and India is well-aware about it too. We will not make any compromises on national security,” he added. “Indian army chief must stop continuing atrocities in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) instead of threatening us. We will play our role efficiently for the establishment of peace in the region under the government’s policies and the nation’s support.”

FO shows deep concern over tension, urges all sides to exercise restraint

In a statement after assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the Foreign Office (FO) had also expressed deep concern over the tensions, urging all sides to exercise restraint. “Pakistan has viewed with deep concern the recent developments in the Middle East, which seriously threaten peace and stability in the region,” the FO said. “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which should be adhered to,” the statement stated, adding that it is important to avoid unilateral actions and use of force. The FO statement had urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, engage constructively to de-escalate the situation, and resolve issues through diplomatic means, in accordance with UN Charter and international law.