Qureshi proposes observing next Kashmir Day in London to highlight Indian barbarism

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday proposed all the political parties of the country to get united to observe next Kashmir Solidarity Day in London to express solidarity with Kashmiri people and highlight the Indian barbarism before the international community.

Addressing an even held to highlight the government’s performance during its first 100 days, the Foreign Minister said Kashmir had been the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and would continue until the issue was resolved. “I want to give a message to Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir where barbarism and bloodshed is being made that you are not alone.

We are with you,” the Foreign Minister remarked at the event also attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan, federal minister, parliamentarians and diplomats.

He said every year, Kashmir Solidarity was observed in Pakistan. However, on upcoming Kashmir Day, he invited all political parties to unite, regardless of political differences and gather in London to observe the Day to tell the people what was the barbarism and bloodshed.

“There is no difference on Kashmir issue. All parties of Pakistan are one on this issue,” he remarked and referred to the reports of the UN Human Rights Commissioner, House of Commons and upcoming debate to be held in Brussels keeping in view these reports.

He said as PTI formed the government, a neighboring country tried to isolate Pakistan because the previous government had strengthened its hands by not appointing a foreign minister.

He said the government had decided to set up a specialized, communicative and well connected foreign office.

During 100 days, the foreign ministry had 73 bilateral and 16 multilateral engagements.

He said the government enhanced engagements with neighboring states referring to prime minister’s visits to Saudi Arabia, China, UAE and Malaysia.

Qureshi said achievement of peace was inevitable to accomplish the PTI’s people-centric agenda of investment and job creation. He said after Prime Minister’s announcement to open Kartarpur Corridor, the Indian government was compelled to send its two ministers to the ceremony.

For Iran, the Foreign Minister said, he had two interactions with Iranian counterpart to enhance bilateral cooperation. Rubbishing all apprehensions, he said the government had changed the CPEC’s focus from mere infrastructure to livelihood, investment, agriculture, skill development and exports.

He said Imran Khan’s prompt reaction to US President Trump’s tirade against Pakistan proved that the nation was alive; however he added that Pakistan desired good ties with the US.

Qureshi said during 100 days, the Ministry had signed 19 MoUs with different countries. After dollar appreciation, the Ministry’s budget had been hit by 17 per cent however they would try to tighten the belt by rationalizing the expenses during the foreign visits, he expressed.

The foreign minister also highlighted the government’s achievement for obtaining international support against the blasphemous caricatures forcing the cancellation of the competition.