Pakistan Ambassador to the US Ashraf Jehangir Qazi has said Pakistan-US relations are cordial, close and improving and "there is nothing to worry about.
"What you find in newspapers is hardly correct, we should instead read what President George W. Bush and US Secretary of State Colin Powell say.
"Their statements are nearer the facts and are supportive," he stated this at an Eid Milan party held by PIA at a local hotel. It was largely attended by community members, hailing from all walks of life.
"Encouraging factor is that we are making positive headway on all fronts," he stated.
Ambassador Qazi said Pakistan's internal conditions in respect of rule of law, democracy, politics and economic situation had also shown signs of improvement and would keep on consolidating further.
He referred to the epoch-making Saarc declaration and productive meetings held by President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee of India, and hoped the bilateral talks that resume next week, were expected to revive dialogue process, leading to peace and stability.
Qazi said while Pakistan-India talks over the past had never been successful, this time, it was hoped that the dialogue process would lead to "start of positive results," as all matters, including Kashmir issue, would be discussed.
The Pakistan Ambassador also referred to Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's visit to Kabul, and said it was a highly successful trip during which Jamali held useful talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
"Our bilateral relations are not only restored, but a new warmth in these relations is very much visible," he said.
The people of Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said, had a natural personal affinity and bonds of friendship among them were historic and unbreakable.
"Our relationship with Afghanistan is becoming more and more cordial with the passage of time," he stated.
About Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan, he said: "Everyone, including you and me besides the government of Pakistan, was shocked. It is but in the nature of a human being to err and the same we unfortunately witnessed," he said.
He, however, said the government did investigate the matter, and added the government also furnished the assurances that it would not allow recurrence of any such abhorable act.
Consequently, he said the relations as could have been rendered in jeopardy "have been saved from damage".
President Bush, he said, had said in his statement that he did not believe that the Pakistan government was involved in this proliferation.
"Some neighbouring country might feel happy about the spate of events, or some news reports might indulge in sensationalisation, but this passing phase is not going to last long, Insha Allah," Qazi added.
Referring to earlier remarks by PIA official Shahid Afzal Khan, Ambassador Qazi said it was a happy augury and matter of national honour to find the national carrier take strides in world market, enjoy repute and make headway amongst travelling public of the developed nations.
Qazi said that very soon, Pakistan would have consulates in Chicago and Houston on the pattern of Los Angeles.
Earlier, he offered Eid greetings to the audience, which comprised diplomats, PIA officials, traders, professionals, doctors, journalists and travel agents.
Comments
Comments are closed.