SIALKOT: Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Sunday said Pakistan will play its role in maintaining peace in the region instead of becoming a party to any regional conflict.
Addressing a press conference in Sialkot, Firdous said: “As ambassadors of peace, we will be part of the solution, not the problem.”
“Whenever tensions have arisen in the region in the past, Pakistan has had to pay the price for it. Therefore, in order to protect national interest and safety, we must continue to play the role of a mediator,” she added.
Speaking about a potential conflict between the United States and Iran, she said: “Pakistan’s interest is more precious to us than that of any other. Protecting Pakistan’s interest is our responsibility.”
According to Firdous, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will give a policy statement in the Senate on Monday on the government’s stance on recent events in the region and the future course of action.
“The prime minister and the current government have a very clear stance on this; we will play a role in bringing peace to the region. The success of the Afghan peace process is also attached to peace in the region.
Commenting on the amendments to the Army Act tabled in the National Assembly, Firdous said: “Institutions do not belong to a particular political party, they belong to the state. We should refrain from politicising these institutions.
“A few members of the opposition have complained that they have not been taken into confidence regarding these amendments. However, I am hopeful that an issue that is attached to our national safety and interest, will not be politicised.”
She expressed the hope that the government and the opposition will come together in parliament to pass the amendments so that Pakistan can progress.
