Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday received a telephone call from UK Secretary of State David Lammy, who expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation between Pakistan and India.
The UK foreign secretary conveyed his condolences on the tragic loss of civilian lives and underscored the need for both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate, according to a Foreign Office press release issued in Islamabad.
Dar briefed him on the regional situation due to India’s illegal and unprovoked attacks on multiple cities across Pakistan that resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Dar emphasized that Pakistan had demonstrated restraint in the face of these violations of international law and the UN Charter that threatened regional peace and security. The Government of Pakistan remained firmly committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Dar added.
Pakistan, Norway reaffirm commitment to boost ties
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Foreign Minister of Norway Espen Barth Eide on Friday.
During the telephone call, the Deputy Prime Minister apprised him of the deteriorating regional situation caused by India’s illegal and unprovoked attacks on multiple cities across Pakistan that resulted in the martyrdom of innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
He emphasized that Pakistan had demonstrated restraint in the face of these violations of international law and the UN Charter that threatened regional peace and security.
Ishaq Dar said the Government of Pakistan remains firmly committed to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister of Norway expressed deep concern over the ongoing escalation and conveyed his condolences on the tragic loss of civilian lives.
He appreciated the restraint shown by Pakistan and underscored the urgent need for de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomacy, to avoid further conflict.
The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations.
The Foreign Minister of Norway acknowledged the positive contributions of the Pakistani diaspora to the socio-economic fabric of Norway.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and remain in close contact over the evolving situation.
Azerbaijan FM expresses support to Pakistan
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday also received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov. The deputy prime minister briefed him on the evolving regional situation.
Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed strong solidarity and support for Pakistan in the wake of India’s illegal and unprovoked attacks that violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan on the loss of innocent lives.
Reaffirming strong fraternal ties between the two countries, the two leaders agreed to remain in close contact.
Reporter Anwer Abbas