Pakistan Thursday warned the world community against pushing the South Asia into the arms race following France delivered its first Rafale fighter aircraft to India out of 36 purchased by the neighbouring country.

"Pakistan's position remains unchanged regarding the regional arms race. Pakistan does not engage in any arms race in the region," Spokesperson Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal told his weekly media briefing when asked to comment on the handing over of the first Rafale fighter jet to India.

He stated that Pakistan, especially, under the current government is focusing on human development, education, health, infrastructure and other social sectors.

"However, if push comes to shove, Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself whether it is Rafale or any other [fighter jet] as manifested on 27th February 2019," he said while referring to clash between the two air forces in which Pakistan shot down two Indian aircraft and also captured one of its pilot. He said the whole world witnessed the episode of 27th February.

About Prime Minister Imran Khan's upcoming expected visit to Saudi Arabia and Iran, the spokesperson said that the visits of the Prime Minister to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran are 'on the cards.' "I will update you as and when things unfold," he told a question, declining to share any further details about the Prime Minister's engagements and reported efforts for mediation between the two Middle Eastern countries.

When asked to comment on the Turkey's launching of offensive against Kurds in Northern Syria, he said: "We appreciate Turkey's positive role in finding a viable political solution to the conflict in Syria. We also acknowledge Turkey's humanitarian efforts by graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees."

He further stated that Pakistan recognizes Turkey's legitimate security concerns in the region, adding that like Pakistan, Turkey has also been a victim of terrorism.

He said that Pakistan has been and continues to support the territorial integrity of Syria and expresses the hope that a political solution to the Syrian conflict will be reached at the earliest, that takes into account concerns of all regional stakeholders and parties to the conflict.

About the upcoming Saarc Summit to be hosted by Pakistan, he said that Pakistan is working to finalize the dates of the Summit, adding that during the informal meeting of Saarc Council of Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the UNGA session, India was cornered and it could not object to the agenda item, which pertained to the holding of the Saarc Summit.

On Kartarpur Corridor, he said that the project is expected to be completed on time and the opening will take place as committed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, adding that the dates have not been finalized as yet.

He said that Pakistan has extended a formal invitation to former prime minister of India Manmohan Singh to attend the opening ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

To another question, he said that Pakistan does not expect any positivity from India. "Those who stand with them can do so but we are firmly grounded with our country and nation and will continue to do so," he added.

He lamented that the Indian occupation forces in their recent acts of state terrorism have martyred Ubaid Farooq Lone and Abbas Ahmad Bhatt and critically injured Sabzar Ahmad Bhatt in Awantipora area of Pulwama district.

He said that the continued military lockdown and complete communication blackout in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir entered its 66th consecutive day, which risk lives of the innocent Kashmiris.

He pointed out that over 8 million people in the IOJ&K remain cut-off from the world, with concerns raised about lack of medical supplies and other basic needs. These inhuman and unilateral actions by India are continuing in spite of international condemnation, he added.

Despite Indian efforts to cover up its brutalities in the IOJ&K, he said, the plight of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is being recognized across the world. He pointed out that three major US presidential candidates - Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris - have added their voices in censuring India on the appalling humanitarian situation in the IOJ&K.

When asked to comment on the US imposition of sanctions on China over the alleged human rights violations against the Chinese Muslims, the spokesperson plainly described it as 'an internal matter' of China.

The spokesperson also declined to comment on the reported rejection of the nomination of Major General Saad Khattak (retd) as high commissioner to Sri Lanka by the federal cabinet, saying he cannot comment on what was discussed during the cabinet meeting.

However, as far as the ambassadorial postings are concerned, it may be noted that these are made following a well established set of procedures and practices, he added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019