Logo of ministry of foreign affairs Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said it has been sincerely working with United States at several levels to resolve all the issues including finding an alternative to the drone attacks as both the countries are partner in war against terror.

Foreign Office Spokesman Moazzam Ahmad Khan in his weekly briefing said, “There is need to resolve all issues with US.”

He said Pakistan has a clear stand on drone attacks, and considered these as illegal, violation of Pakistan's territorial sovereignty and counter-productive.

Khan said there has been interaction between Pakistan and United States at various levels to resolve the issues through mutually beneficial and mutually acceptable manner.

He said Pakistan-US relations are being discussed in accordance with the recommendations of the parliament and every thing will be decided in the context of the guidelines, given by the parliament on Pak-US relations and Nato supply.

Refusing to confirm or deny the invitation from the US to attend the Summit being hosted by President Obama in Chicago during this month, the spokesman said Pakistan has not yet decided about the participation in this Summit.

He said the issue of participation in Chicago Summit and Pak- US relations was discussed at a high level meeting held at the President House on Wednesday but no final decision has been taken regarding the summit.

The spokesman said next meeting of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet will review the mechanism to implement recommendations of the parliament.

He said there are issues on both the sides, adding that there is also the will at both sides to improve these relations.

He said US Envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Marc Grossman recently visited Islamabad and all issues were discussed with him.

Recounting Pakistan's sacrifices in the war against terrorism, the spokesman said nobody should have any doubt about Pakistan's unwavering resolve and determination to fight out the menace.

He said Pakistan is pursuing a well-thought out anti-terrorism policy and expects that the partners will also show more understanding and patience in this regard.

Pakistan-India relations:

The spokesman reminded that President Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had a constructive meeting in New Delhi in which they discussed all the issues.

He said both the leaders underlined the importance of finding pragmatic and practical solution of all the issues including Sir Creek, Siachen and Jammu and Kashmir.

On Pak-India relations, the spokesman said under the revival of bilateral talks, representatives from both the countries will meet on May 14 to 16 to discuss the Sir Creek in New Delhi while the two interior secretaries will meet in Islamabad on May 24 and 25 on anti-terrorism and counter drug trafficking.

He said Siachen has been the part of the dialogue process and both the countries have been discussing this issue.

The spokesman said there has been progress in Pak-India relations in last year adding that the present round of talks will be completed by the end of this year.

About removal of non-barrier tariff with India, the spokesman said it will improve bilateral trade and it will be beneficial for Pakistan.

Replying to a question about negative response from any country about the legal status of Prime Minister Gilani after his conviction from the Supreme Court, the spokesman said, “No country has shown any reservation in this regard.”

Opinion

The Dar story continues

The Dar story continues

One wonders what the rationale was for the foreign minister — a highly demanding, full-time job — being assigned various other political responsibilities.

Editorial

Wheat protests
Updated 01 May, 2024

Wheat protests

The government should withdraw from the wheat trade gradually, replacing the existing market support mechanism with an effective new one over the next several years.
Polio drive
01 May, 2024

Polio drive

THE year’s fourth polio drive has kicked off across Pakistan, with the aim to immunise more than 24m children ...
Workers’ struggle
Updated 01 May, 2024

Workers’ struggle

Yet the struggle to secure a living wage — and decent working conditions — for the toiling masses must continue.
All this talk
Updated 30 Apr, 2024

All this talk

The other parties are equally legitimate stakeholders in the country’s political future, and it must give them due consideration.
Monetary policy
30 Apr, 2024

Monetary policy

ALIGNING its decision with the trend in developed economies, the State Bank has acted wisely by holding its key...
Meaningless appointment
30 Apr, 2024

Meaningless appointment

THE PML-N’s policy of ‘family first’ has once again triggered criticism. The party’s latest move in this...