Pakistan urges unfreezing of Afghan assets

Islamabad: Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar has underlined the need to unfreeze the Afghan assets to be used for the welfare and the benefit of the Afghan people.

Replying to a question at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Friday, he said Pakistan welcomed the initial steps taken by the US Administration in that regard and Islamabad would welcome similar measures in future as well.

He said the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan needs to be addressed with some sense of urgency.

He said there should be no strings attached toward the unfreezing of the Afghan assets abroad and the Afghan Interim Authorities should be allowed to utilize them for the welfare of the people of Afghanistan.

Answering another question regarding acquisition of arms by India, the Spokesperson said it has been a longstanding concern of Pakistan.

He said India’s unbridled acquisition of arms over the years has started an arms race and created an imbalance of power in South Asia.

He said over 70 percent of military capability, the India has acquired so far, is deployed against Pakistan, which is a cause of serious concern for us.

He said Pakistan has expressed its concerns at various world forums, including the United Nations.

Asim Iftikhar also informed that Prime Minister will be undertaking a visit to Qatar next week.

Besides, the Foreign Minister is also visiting four European countries Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

These visits manifest Pakistan’s continuing intense engagement and diplomacy with our partners.