Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Monday said Pakistan's diplomatic efforts had contributed to recent regional peace initiatives and announced that the country would host the signing of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran in Geneva on Friday, reported 234NewsHD TV channel.
Addressing a press conference at the Parliament Media Centre alongside Pakistan Peoples Party lawmakers, Tariq Fazal said Pakistan had played an important role on the diplomatic front.
"By the grace of Allah, Pakistan played its role diplomatically, and the efforts of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Field Marshal have borne fruit," he said.
He added that Pakistan would host the signing ceremony of the peace agreement scheduled to take place in Geneva on Friday.
The minister also referred to issues raised by Sardar Fatehullah Khan, including concerns related to Dera Ismail Khan, water canals and flood-affected communities. He said Fatehullah Khan had ended his hunger strike following requests from government representatives.
Discussing the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Tariq Fazal said the government had taken several steps to address public grievances, including expanding the AJK cabinet and accepting 35 out of 38 demands presented to it. He said the remaining three issues were sub judice and could not be resolved immediately.
He said cases against 170 individuals had been withdrawn and compensation had been provided to affected citizens, but expressed regret that protests and marches continued despite these measures.
The minister described recent scenes of unrest in AJK as unfortunate and said the loss of lives among Frontier Corps and police personnel was a matter of concern.
"I would urge the Action Committee not to resort to violence and to resolve issues through dialogue," he said.
Tariq Fazal claimed that the Joint Action Committee had lost its status and said there were no direct talks with the group, although indirect contacts remained in place.
Emphasising the need for peaceful engagement, he said violence was not a solution and all stakeholders should pursue dialogue to resolve disputes and maintain stability.
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to addressing outstanding issues through negotiations and constitutional means.