By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal has urged the world community not to push the South Asian region into an arms race.
In his weekly press briefing in the capital on Thursday, Dr Faisal said Pakistan knows how to defend itself against the Rafale or any other fighter jets.
“The whole world was a witness to the February 27 episode,” Dr Faisal said while commenting on the induction of Rafale fighter jets by India.
The spokesperson further said Pakistan will not indulge in any arms race. “The focus of the present government was on human development, health and education,” he said.
France had delivered the first of 36 Rafale fighter jets bought by India early this week.
Voicing concerns over the indefinite curfew and blatant human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, Dr Faisal said Pakistan demands the lifting of all sorts of restrictions and stoppage of human rights violations in the held valley.
He added Pakistan stands by the oppressed people of Kashmir. “We are trying to raise the plight of Kashmiri people at every avenue,” Dr Faisal said.
Dr Faisal continued, “Despite Indian efforts to cover up its brutalities in the occupied valley, the plight of Kashmiris was being recognised across the world.” He pointed out that three US presidential candidates have added their voice in censuring India on the appalling humanitarian situation in the valley.
About opening of the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikhs, a formal invitation has been extended to former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to attend the opening ceremony of the corridor.
“Work on Kartarpur corridor is continuing with full speed and it will be completed on time. The opening of the corridor will be held on time as committed by Prime Minister Imran Khan,” he noted.
In response to another question, Dr Faisal said Pakistan was working on the dates of SAARC summit to be held in Islamabad, adding that the dates will be shared when finalized.
Furthermore, he said there was a possibility of PM Imran paying a visit to Saudi Arabia and Iran.
