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Pak-Iran gas pipeline not under sanctions: FO
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday
clarified that the project of gas pipeline between
Pakistan and Iran does not cover
under the sanctions imposed on Iran because of its nuclear issue
with the international community.
"Pakistan is committed to the
Pak-Iran gas pipeline and sanctions do not cover this project," said
Foreign Office Spokesman Abdul Basit in his weekly press briefing
here at Foreign Office.
He said however Pakistan is studying
the US legislation about sanctions on Iran but it is clear that
Pak-Iran gas pipeline is not
covered by them.
The spokesman said Pakistan has
repeatedly said that the nuclear issue of Iran should be resolved
peacefully through negotiations and dialogue by the international
community.
Replying to another question about
reports of Iranian President's visit to Pakistan the spokesman said,
"No bilateral visit between Pakistan and Iran has been finalised
yet."
Answering a question about Pak-US
relations, the spokesman said both the countries are engaged with
each other and there is no concept of disengagement.
The spokesman said dates for the
visit of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar to Kabul has not yet
been finalised but added that this visit will be on invitation of
the Afghan government.
He said Pakistan is committed to
peace and security in Afghanistan and always assured its support to
the reconciliation process which will be Afghan led and Afghan
owned.
The spokesman however did not answer
the questions regarding any links or association of Pakistan for
setting up office of the Taliban in Qatar as proposed by United
States to help in negotiations with representatives of Taliban.
He said Pakistan has been pursuing
all tracks including bilateral, trilateral, and multi-lateral
negotiations and engagements for the peace and security in
Afghanistan. All these tracks
are supplementing each other.
Answering a question about the
return of Afghan refugees, the spokesman said, "Pakistan wants the
return of these refugees, but with honour and dignity."
He said Pakistan has asked the
international community especially the UNHCR to prepare a
comprehensive and effective programme for the return of Afghan
refugees so they could go to their homes with honour and respect.
Replying to a question, the
spokesman said there are 31 Pakistanis detained at Bagram and
Pakistan's Embassy in Kabul has been working closely with the Afghan
government for early release and return of these Pakistani
prisoners.
Answering a question about
Pakistan's role for bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran closer, the
spokesman said Pakistan always worked for solidarity among the
Muslim countries and have been making sincere efforts in this regard
since 1947.
He said Pak-Russia relations are
going on upward trajectory and both the countries are making efforts
to further strengthen these relations. Cooperation between Pakistan
and Russia is improving in
different fields.
Responding to a question about the
procurement of nuclear submarine by India from Russia, the spokesman
said the region is faced with multidimensional issues and
acquisition of such weapons will not serve the purpose.
He said millions of people in the
region are living below the poverty line and the focus should rather
be on their economic well being. - APP |
