While terming the US State Department's statement on Javed Hashmi case as irresponsible and an intervention in internal affairs of Pakistan, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid said that without knowing ground realities of the case, the State Department has given a statement on this issue.
"Javed Hashmi was given full chance to defend himself and he pleaded his case in a court of justice", Sheikh Rashid said while talking to reporters during the inauguration ceremony of the Group Painting Exhibition of Chinese Artists.
The exhibition was organised by Rawalpindi Arts Council in league with Chinese Embassy.
He dispelled the impression of government's intervention in the court verdict against Javed Hashmi and said that it was purely the decision of court.
The Minister said the telephonic conversation of President Musharraf with US Secretary of State Collin Powell is a routine matter. "They both have a good relationship", he added.
"Foreign Office has made it clear that Pakistan will not send its Army to Iraq to take part in any operation", Minister said in response to a question and added that if there would be any offer from United nations and other countries then Pakistan will reconsider the issue.
Regarding the uniform issue, he said that it is final that President Musharraf will honour the 17th amendment. "I am speaking on behalf of President, Prime Minister and assure you that this issue is settled and there will be no hesitation from the president", he added.
Responding to a question about Wana issue, Minister said that this issue will very soon be settled amicably and there will be no confusion.
Earlier, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Exhibition, Sheikh Rashid said that the Pak-China friendship is time tested and both the countries have always proved their worth of friendship.
"Pak-China friendship is higher than Himalayas and deeper than the Pacific Ocean. It is an ideal in the annals of international history", he said.