Pakistan 'actively engaged' with Iran to deal with coronavirus situation

Pakistan government says it is actively engaged with the Iranian authorities to deal with the coronavirus situation. 

At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan fully supports the efforts of the Iranian government in managing the outbreak.

"We stand in solidarity with them."

The spokesperson said "our embassy and two consulates in Iran are alert" and monitoring the situation closely.

She said they are also reaching out to the Pakistani community there including Zaireen and students.

Helplines have also been established in the embassy and the consulates to provide necessary updates and assistance to the community members.

Delhi violence

The spokesperson expressed grave concerns over the violence against Muslims and desecration of mosques in New Delhi.

She said our leadership and the international community have raised their concerns on the violence there.

Echoing the words of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Aisha Farooqui said the state oppression that the Kashmiri people have been suffering for decades at the hands of Indian authorities has now found its way in the Indian capital.

Kashmir mediation

She said Pakistan has welcomed the mediation offer made by the US President Donald Trump during his visit to India.

The spokesperson pointed out that the US President also lauded Pakistan's efforts against terrorism during the visit.

She said the very remarks are a manifestation of upward trajectory in Pakistan-US relations.

Aisha added there is an increasing awareness in the world that resolution of Kashmir dispute is the key for peace and stability in the region.

US-India weapons deals 

The spokesperson said Pakistan has concerns over the defence deals between the US and India especially the sale of sophisticated weapon system to New Delhi. This, she said, will further destabilize the already volatile region.

Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan has been the victim of state terrorism emanating from the eastern border.

"We have [also] alerted the international community many times about India's aggressive designs not only towards Pakistan but also other countries in the region."

Afghanistan

The spokesperson said Pakistan welcomes the peace deal to be signed between the US and Afghan Taliban on Saturday.

She expressed the confidence that this will pave the way for intra-Afghan dialogue. She also hoped this historic opportunity will be seized by all the Afghan parties to take the people of Afghanistan towards peace and stability.

She said Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will represent Pakistan at the peace agreement signing ceremony.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has played a significant role in facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Aisha Farooqui confirmed that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan is on the cards. She said both the sides are working on the schedule of the visit.