Qureshi denies US offered to free Aafia for Raymond, Afridi's release

Published November 11, 2018
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi addresses a press conference at Foreign Office. —APP/File
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi addresses a press conference at Foreign Office. —APP/File

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday denied the reports that the US offered to release Aafia Siddiqi in exchange for freeing Raymond Davis (in the past) and Shakeel Afridi.

Talking to the media here on Saturday, the foreign minister said Aafia Siddiqi was the “daughter of the nation” and it was his desire that she should return to the country.

“Efforts to bring her (Ms Aafia) back are under way at the diplomatic level. However, the government will not indulge in any such bargain,” he said.

He said the efforts were being made to unite all the forces of region as “we want the issue of Afghanistan be resolved peacefully.”

“We want peace and stability in Afghanistan and will support every step which will bring betterment there,” he added.

He said the PTI government had nothing to do with the NAB cases as these were lodged before the party came into power.

Mr Qureshi claimed the PPP would support the PTI government for the creation of new province (in south Punjab) unconditionally.

He said the petroleum prices would decline soon and there would also be betterment in regional affairs.

Expressing concern over the dangerous surge in the air pollution in Lahore, he said the government would take solid steps to resolve the issue.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...