Efforts on to defuse tension: Sattar
KATHMANDU, Jan 1: Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar said here on Tuesday that Pakistan was making all-out efforts to defuse the prevailing tense situation on India-Pakistan borders.
“The president and the Government of Pakistan are making their best efforts to deescalate tension, preserve peace and avert use of force,” Sattar told PTV after his meeting with Nepalese prime minister.
He said Prime Minister Sher Bahadar Dewba emphasized the need to follow persistent policies to ensure peace in the region.
The Nepalese prime minister said the Saarc member states should cooperate and promote peace for the sake of the future of their people, Sattar said.
He said he had apprised the Nepalese prime minister about the mounting tension between India and Pakistan. “I also told the PM about movement of the forces by India that have taken place in the last 10 days and as a result the situation has become very dangerous.”
He said Prime Minister Dewba has extended his best wishes and hoped that peace would be preserved.—APP
CHINESE, UK LEADERS: Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw called Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar on Monday night and exchanged views over the mounting tension in South Asia, an official announcement said, adds our staff reporter from Islamabad.
Tang contacted Mr Sattar in Karachi and expressed China’s anxiety over the rising tension in South Asia, the Foreign Office said.
China appreciated Pakistan’s policy of holding high the banner of opposition to terrorism and extremism, Foreign Minister Tang said.
Sattar briefed Tang about the latest developments including amassing of Indian troops on the borders and Pakistan’s commitment to peace.
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar had a telephonic conversation on Sunday night and exchanged views on the tense relations between India and Pakistan.