ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday expressed disappointment over complete silence in US-India joint statement on the atrocities being committed by Indian security forces against innocent Kashmiris.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was given a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities in the wake of recent developments in and around Pakistan and the emerging global and regional scenario, the prime minister directed the Foreign Ministry to proactively highlight the serious human rights violations being committed in the Indian Held Kashmir and the denial of the right of self-determination to Kashmiris.
While reiterating his priority for a peaceful neighbourhood and resolution of disputes through dialogue, the prime minister directed the foreign ministry that trade, investment and scientific collaboration be made the strategic pillars of Pakistan’s foreign Policy. He underscored the importance of securing peace and stability in the region through sustained dialogue and the importance Pakistan attached to its continued partnership with the United States.
He directed Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare initiatives on Afghanistan and also on building economic and trade linkages to promote Pakistan’s development.
The prime minister appreciated China’s role for improving Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He also recalled his recent meeting with President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of the SCO Summit and their agreement to evolve a bilateral and quadrilateral mechanism for controlling cross-border terrorism.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of highlighting the unmatched contributions and sacrifices made by Pakistan in fighting terrorism and of projecting Pakistan’s soft image. He stressed that Pakistan should progressively end its reliance on foreign assistance and funding by developing and generating its own resources.
Emphasizing the importance of providing efficient and economical consular services to the overseas Pakistanis, the prime minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that their services were duly provided in a befitting manner.
Taking note of the virtual suspension of medical visas, especially for those needing urgent transplants, the prime minister directed urgent steps to provide such medical facilities across Pakistan at reasonable prices. In this regard, he also directed that a volunteer roster of medical professionals from amongst overseas Pakistani doctors be developed to complement the existing human resource in Pakistan.
Published in Daily Times, July 1st , 2017.
