As tension is increasing in the Middle-East after the death of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani in US airstrike and then the activity of Iran retaliation, Pakistan clears its stance that the country will not become a part of any war.
However, Prime Minister Imran Khan offers to play his role as a peacemaker in the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
Reportedly, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to clearly give a message to all the related bodies. He stated that Pakistan will not be involving itself in any war activities but is ready to be a peace-maker.
Officials On Peace Mission
Realizing the need of the situation, PM Khan ordered FM Qureshi to visit Riyadh, Tehran, and Washington on a “Peace Mission”. Meanwhile, COAS General Bajwa is set to play his role as well. He got the task of contacting the military officials of the three countries to clear the position of Pakistan.
I have asked FM Qureshi to visit Iran, KSA & USA to meet with respective foreign ministers, Secretary of State; & COAS Gen Bajwa to contact relevant military leaders to convey a clear message: Pakistan is ready to play it's role for peace but it can never again be part of any war
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2020
After the whole story, this is the first time that PM Khan has tweeted regarding the issue. His comments followed Iran’s retaliatory strikes against US bases in Iraq’s Erbil and Anbar regions.
The premier also urged for immediate measures to de-escalate tensions in the Middle-East in a conversation with an Omani Minister of Endowment and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami. However, he also expressed his “deep concern” over the worsening crises and demanded instant control of the situation.
Moreover, he said “War is in nobody’s interest,” and urged immediate action for de-escalation. “Recalling that Pakistan had suffered greatly due to earlier regional conflicts, the prime minister made clear that Pakistan would not be part of any conflict in the region.”
Conversation Between Bajwa and Esper
Amid tensions, US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper discussed the situation with General Bajwa in a telephonic conversation. The Secretary conveyed that the US did not prefer to seek conflict, but they will retaliate if necessary. The military-controlled media wing ISPR said in a statement.
“We would like the situation to de-escalate & shall support all initiatives which bring peace in the region. Pakistan will call upon all concerned to avoid rhetoric in favor of diplomatic engagement. We all have worked a lot to bring peace in the region by fighting against terrorism,” the General was quoted as having told Mr Esper.
Although he further added that Pakistan will always play its constructive part for the success of the Afghan reconciliation process, so that “it doesn’t get derailed and region goes towards conflict resolution instead of new conflicts.”
Apparently, the war between the two big powers generates horrible consequences for everyone in the region. So it is necessary that the conflict has to be solved with suitable actions. And other countries also take the initiative to mediate between the United States and Iran.
