Ishaq Dar says Pakistan closely monitoring situation in Iran

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan is closely monitoring the current situation in Iran and is in constant contact with regional countries.

Briefing foreign ambassadors, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan wants to take friendly countries into confidence on the situation in Afghanistan. He clarified that the only demand made by Afghanistan is that its soil should not be used against Pakistan.

He added, while describing the situation as extremely critical, that Pakistan is making all diplomatic efforts.

The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan wants a peaceful neighborhood with Afghanistan and made three visits to Afghanistan last year, during which detailed discussions were held on the economy, trade, and other important issues. He said that the promotion of regional connectivity through the rail project was also discussed during the visits.

Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan has concrete evidence of terrorism originating from Afghan soil. He said that despite the efforts of the talks held in Qatar and Istanbul, no result was achieved.

He said that during Operation Ghadb-ul-Haq, effective measures were taken against TTP and other terrorist elements, and the hideouts and camps of terrorists were successfully destroyed.

The Foreign Minister further said that in October, a serious violation came to light from Afghan soil; however, Pakistan has strong and positive relations with China, the US, and other brotherly countries.