Pakistan has decided to play its role in de-escalation of tension between the United States and Iran by sending Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to Washington, Tehran and Saudi Arabia with a view to call upon the parties to exercise retrain and resolve the issue through dialogue.
Prime Minister Imran Khan took to the Twitter on Wednesday in which he also made it clear that Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa will also speak to the relevant military leaders to convey a clear message that "Pakistan is ready to play its role for peace but it can never again be part of any war." "I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State; & COAS Gen Bajwa to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play it's role for peace but it can never again be part of any war," the Prime Minister stated in a tweet.
The decision was taken following the latest escalation of tension when Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against the US military and coalition forces' bases in Iraq.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in a video statement, said that as per the instruction by Prime Minister Imran Khan, he will be heading to the United States, Iran and Saudi Arabia to hold talks with his counterparts from the respective countries to pursue Pakistan's desire for peace. He said that contacts have already been started so that Pakistan can play whatever role it can to protect the region from a war.
"Given the latest development in the region, we have decided to make diplomatic efforts and I have already contacted foreign ministers of a number of countries who are also of the opinion that together we all should play a role for the peace and stability of the region," Qureshi said. The foreign minister asserted that Middle East has long been under stress and the back to back events of January 3 in which top Iranian commander General Qasem Soleimani was assassinated in a US attack and then the early morning response on January 8 by Iran have increased the tension. "Pakistan understands that the tension is neither in the interest of Pakistan nor in the interest of the entire region. We believe that the region cannot afford any more war. Pakistan has been trying and it desires that the matters are resolved peacefully," Qureshi added.
Earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Qureshi urged the international community, including United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to play its role in de-escalation of the tension between Washington and Tehran. "Pakistan's desire is that the situation does not deteriorate and that the region will not get caught up in the new quagmire of war. Pakistan wants peace and we understand that all the parties should resolve the issues through dialogue," he said.
Referring to the Iranian attacks on the US bases in Iraq, he said that the US is still evaluating the devastation caused by the attack. However, he added that as per the initial reports, there is no report of any casualty. Qureshi also appreciated the statement by Iranian Foreign Minister Jawad Zarif, saying that the Iranian foreign minister has said that Iran does not want to escalate tensions. "I believe that his [Zarif] statement is a manifestation of wisdom," he added.
He also urged Washington to exercise restrain, adding that a vast majority with the US also does not want the American forces in a new war. "War is not in anyone's interest. It will have an impact on the global economy," he added.
"Pakistan understands that the UN, the Security Council and the international community must play their role in defusing the situation," he added.