Qureshi urges opposition to avoid path of violence & join hands with govt in its efforts to put country on road to progress & development
MULTAN/ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (SABAH): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi says upcoming visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China will further give impetus to bilateral strategic relations in diverse sectors, adding that PM Imran Khan will leave for China on 4th February and he will accompany the prime minister during the Chinese visit.
Addressing a ceremony in Multan on Sunday, he said the Prime Minister will hold important meetings with the Chinese leadership on various issues of mutual interest, including bilateral trade and regional security situation. He said that the basic purpose of PM Imran Khan’s visit to China is to express solidarity with China as Winter Olympics are going to be held in China and many countries have boycotted the Winter Olympics. He said that Pakistan is not only the neighbor but the strategic partner of China.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said even today martyrdoms are being occurred in occupied Kashmir, adding that China has clear stance on Kashmir dispute and Pakistan has also clear stance on disputed territory and we consider occupied Kashmir as international disputed territory and both countries have highlighted their stance at international forums and United Nations Security Council. He said that the deteriorating situation of occupied Kashmir will also be discussed.
About Afghanistan situation, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Afghan leadership had assured that Afghan land will not be used against Pakistan or any other neighboring country, it is their stance and policy and welcome this policy and thank them.
On domestic front, the foreign minister said that two-third majority is needed in the Parliament to pass the amendments regarding creation of Southern Punjab province. He said that resolution regarding the creation of South Punjab province will have to be tabled in Punjab Assembly and two-third majority is required for this purpose. He said that the media should questioned from the PML-N and PPP that if both parties are willing the creation of South Punjab province then why they are hesitating. He said that the creation of South Punjab is part of our manifesto and we have taken administrative steps but we need the support of the both parties on the constitutional amendment, adding that if both parties are serious then they should come and support the constitutional amendment and we are ready to given them the credit of this deed. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he is hopeful PPP will support the creation of South Punjab province, adding that the highest leadership of PPP and PML-N is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and he has written letter to both leaders.
To a question about call of long march by the opposition, Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the opposition to avoid path of violence and join hands with the government in its efforts to put country on road to progress and development. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that if opposition could make review at its strategy in Senate on State Bank of Pakistan then it is possible that they could review strategy regarding long march. He said that Pakistan is going to against host the Foreign Ministers of OIC countries on 22nd and 23rd March, adding that he has extended invitation to all the FMs and also written letters, adding that we will sit together and discuss the issues facing by Muslim Ummah and move forward with joint strategy. Qureshi said that it is our effort that the FMs of OIC countries also attend the national parade.
Meanwhile Shah Mahmood Qureshi has congratulated the journalists who won the election of National Press Club and extended best wishes for them.
In a statement on Sunday, he expressed hope that the newly elected officials will use their best skills for the welfare of the journalist community.