What role should Pakistan play in the current US-Iran crisis?

[MenInG]

Seems the Govt is choosing a non-aligned role but is it the right one?

======


Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday briefed the Senate on tensions in the Middle East that arose after the killing of top Iran commander Qasem Soleimani in a US air strike, making it clear that Pakistan will not become party to the regional conflict.

The minister began his speech by recounting how the crisis-like situation in the region unfolded, starting with the killing of an American contractor in a rocket attack in Iraq that led the US to carry out strikes on an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia.

The foreign minister was directed by the Senate chairman to brief the upper house on developments on the foreign policy front last week.

Qureshi told the Senate that according to regional experts, the repercussions of the strike that killed Soleimani could be more severe than the 2011 raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the 2019 killing of militant Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

He said Iraq had decided to send its foreign minister to the United Nations to record protest because in their view the strike violated international law and UN charter. The Pakistani government presented its stance on the development on January 3.

"I decided to contact the important foreign ministers of the region. Yesterday I talked in detail with the Iranian foreign minister and presented Pakistan’s stance on the incident and gained information from him," he said, adding that he also spoke with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

"The situation in the Middle East is very sensitive, fluid and concerning."

He recalled that the Iranain supreme leader has promised revenge over Soleimani's killing while Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has termed this strike as “international terrorism”. Iran's foreign minister, meanwhile, considers this act as dramatically escalating the regional situation.

The Pentagon, on the other hand, acknowledged that the strike was carried out on the direction of US President Donald Trump, Qureshi said. He added that the US State Department had said it was primarily a preemptive action and that Washington had reports that Soleimani was planning to attack US soldiers and diplomats.

"The White House stated that it was a 'decisive defensive action'. [...]These tensions have not arisen overnight but the situation has been intensifying over a period of time," the foreign minister said, adding that this specific act by the US has aggravated the situation in the region.

He noted that the US claims that their action was "preventive" in nature and was not meant to ignite a war, and now they say they are ready to deescalate the situation.

"But at the same time they (Washington) have warned that if Iran retaliates, our response will be even stronger than before."

Foreign Minister Qureshi laid before the Senate 11 points which he said reflected why Pakistan is concerned about the US-Iran tensions:

The incident will further destabilise the region, especially the situation in Iraq and Syria
The crisis could have a negative impact on the Afghanistan peace process and Pakistan’s efforts in this regard could be undone
The situation in Yemen could get out of hand and attacks by Houthis on Saudi Arabia could increase
Hezbollah, which has in the past conducted rocket attacks, could go ahead and strike Israel
The situation could lead to high-profile assassinations of US personnel in the region
Route blockades could be enacted leading to breakage in oil supply, which will have a negative impact on the regional and global economy
The Iran nuclear deal has come under severe pressure with the latest announcements coming out of Iran suggesting Tehran has virtually backed out of the deal that put restrictions on the country’s Uranium enrichment
The crisis could lead to terrorism rearing its head again in Pakistan
The developments have raised the chances of further division of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
The situation has also impacted the Pakistani government's efforts to unite the forum of OIC on the human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir
India may pounce on the chance to destabilise Pakistan and conduct false-flag operations
'Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state'
Qureshi then proceeded to present Islamabad's foreign policy position on the fraught regional situation. He said Pakistan "does not support any unilateral action and is against the use of force as it never resolves matters".

"Pakistan backs principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN charter," he said, adding that Pakistan urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint.

“I even urged Iran to exercise its traditional wisdom and refrain from any escalatory measures in the larger interest of the region,” the minister added.

He said Middle East cannot be pushed into another war. “It will be disastrous and Pakistan will also face the repercussions of such an occurrence,” he cautioned.

"Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state," Qureshi said, adding that Pakistan "will not be party to this regional conflict".

The foreign minister urged the UN Secretary General to play his role in safeguarding the region and "putting out this fire".

"We are constantly monitoring and assessing the situation," Qureshi announced, adding that he has created a task force in the Foreign Office which will keep an eye on this evolving situation on a day-to-day basis and apprise the government and present its recommendations on the issue.

Pakistan had on Sunday reaffirmed its resolve not to become a part of any conflict in the region and renewed its offer for mediating in the Middle East crisis.

The offer was formally conveyed by Foreign Minister Qureshi during a telephonic conversation with his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

This was Qureshi's first contact with the Iranian leadership after the assassination of Maj Gen Soleimani in a US drone strike in Iraq on Friday.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1526630/p...y-to-us-iran-conflict-fm-qureshi-tells-senate

 

[finalfantasy7]

nothing, do not interfere at all - let america/ isarael/saudi do what they want.

We are not friends with iran and never will be - do not trade with them- we do not need thr oil-or shall i say saudi / america will not allow us to do any oil deal with them.

We do not need to be closer friends with amercia/saudi to help them in any way possible for thr own corruption.

Stay well away from everything-but keep a close eye on iran and america army base in pakistan

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan will get pressure from Gulf States so its not that easy to sit on the fence.

 

[Savak]

IK's criticized Musharraf for siding with the US in the War on terror and providing them maximum cooperation for their millitary operations in Afghanistan. Lets see if there is any U Turn from him on this one now.

 

[GBK_Fan]

Pakistan should stay out. SA and USA will use the Pakistani army as canon fodder for tackling the Iranian army. The SA army is not capable and there is no public support for an US invasion. Without the help of the Pakistani army there will be no war.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Do everything to ensure the Yanks leave the region and stop interfering in other nations business, not to forget their terrorism.

 

[Mamoon]

SMQ has as much of a say in Pakistan’s foreign policy as I do. The foreign office of Pakistan is the GHQ, and the GHQ is the biggest mercenary of USA.

If they offer USD, we will offer a base for the U.S. forces. However, the problem is that our Chinese masters will not be happy about it and we will be sandwiched between two powers who don’t like each other and who both have us on a leash. It is a miserable situation for us but it is exactly what we deserve.

 

[Mamoon]

IK's criticized Musharraf for siding with the US in the War on terror and providing them maximum cooperation for their millitary operations in Afghanistan. Lets see if there is any U Turn from him on this one now.

Again, he has as much of a say in this as you and I do.

 

[kk1992]

SMQ has as much of a say in Pakistan’s foreign policy as I do. The foreign office of Pakistan is the GHQ, and the GHQ is the biggest mercenary of USA.

If they offer USD, we will offer a base for the U.S. forces. However, the problem is that our Chinese masters will not be happy about it and we will be sandwiched between two powers who don’t like each other and who both have us on a leash. It is a miserable situation for us but it is exactly what we deserve.

First you need to decide who is Pakistan's master, Chinese or USA? can't be both.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Again, he has as much of a say in this as you and I do.

If that's the case (which I hope and believe not) then hopefully IK is man enough to resign.

Stay neutral and mediate.

Pakistan had on Sunday reaffirmed its resolve not to become a part of any conflict in the region and renewed its offer for mediating in the Middle East crisis.

The offer was formally conveyed by Foreign Minister Qureshi during a telephonic conversation with his counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

So far doing the right thing.

 

[kk1992]

Pakistan will get pressure from Gulf States so its not that easy to sit on the fence.

Pakistan won't provide base as US won't need a base in Pakistan because US has no intention to put boots down in Iran.

Pakistan won't send soldiers as US won't need soldiers.

Pakistan just need to control the border with Iran.

Rest in this thread is just fake rona dhona for the sake of criticism out of being bored.

 

[miandadrules]

Under no circumstances should Pakistan provide any assistance to the states in any conflict.

Unfortunately, I suspect the establishment has different ideas.

 

[WebGuru]

#StayNeutralPakistan is the top trend right now in Twitter Pakistan with 56k tweets. Glad to see people raising their voice for peace.

 

[PakLFC]

Pak has made it clear we will not be favouring anyone here. IK has always criticised our involvement in other people's war's so here is the chance for him to walk the talk. Try to make peace between them to otherwise leave them to it. If we side with one the other will see us as the enemy especially Iran who are just around the corner. IK and Asif Ghafoor said so yesterday that Pak will not be getting involved, hope they meant it.

 

[miandadrules]

Pak has made it clear we will not be favouring anyone here. IK has always criticised our involvement in other people's war's so here is the chance for him to walk the talk. Try to make peace between them to otherwise leave them to it. If we side with one the other will see us as the enemy especially Iran who are just around the corner. IK and Asif Ghafoor said so yesterday that Pak will not be getting involved, hope they meant it.

In the past our leaders have said they wouldn’t do many things, which years later we discovered they had been complicit.

I’m not satisfied with just words. Accountable actions are what matters.

 

[PakLFC]

In the past our leaders have said they wouldn’t do many things, which years later we discovered they had been complicit.

I’m not satisfied with just words. Accountable actions are what matters.

We will condemn the government if we get involved in any Iran-USA war. For now I am certain that IK who has made it his mantra of never getting involved in other people's wars will stick to his word. It will become a major problem for us if in any war Iranian refugee's start entering Pakistan in large numbers.

 

[mgtow]

Iran chose India so what do you expect. Any nation that supports and provides safe haven for India to undermine the stability of Balochistan, Pakistan cannot expect support from Pakistan - at least on officially.

 

[Pakistanian]

Pakistan should stay neutral and mediate, Pakistan being neighbors with Iran, also home to 2nd largest Shia population and also a longstanding ally with America and the Gulf states and previously an ally with the Shah's Iran has a key position in this conflict.

 

[miandadrules]

We will condemn the government if we get involved in any Iran-USA war. For now I am certain that IK who has made it his mantra of never getting involved in other people's wars will stick to his word. It will become a major problem for us if in any war Iranian refugee's start entering Pakistan in large numbers.

If nothing else he is a compassionate human being and that’s what I’m pinning my hopes on.

He’s about to come under a lot of pressure internationally and probably domestically.

A war in Iran could easily trigger a civil war in Pakistan.

 

[PakLFC]

If nothing else he is a compassionate human being and that’s what I’m pinning my hopes on.

He’s about to come under a lot of pressure internationally and probably domestically.

A war in Iran could easily trigger a civil war in Pakistan.

He has always prided himself in handling pressure situations. The Iran-Iraq war did not trigger any civil conflict in Pak. Here if we side with the Americans by giving them our military bases to bomb Iran then there will be massive unrest in Pak as well.

 

[MenInG]

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Imran Khan was one of the world leaders who had engaged in an “off-ramp” diplomacy to defuse recent tensions between Iran and the United States, an official of the US State Department said on Monday.

“The off-ramp has been there for three years. The Iranians keep projecting it. And it’s not just us,” said the official during a briefing earlier this week on the current Iran-US conflict.

“French President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Khan in Pakistan and Sultan of Oman — all these countries from all parts of the world have reached out to the regime” in Iran, the official added.

After the assassination of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad on Friday, Pakistan urged both the United States and Iran to avoid further escalation.

On Sunday, Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve not to become a part of any conflict in the region and renewed its offer for mediating in the Middle East crisis.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had visited the Iranian capital in October as part of an initiative to defuse tensions in the Gulf and mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia. He also visited Saudi Arabia for further talks on the matter.

In Washington, the State Department official claimed that world leaders had “failed to get the supreme leader (of Iran) to make better decisions”, forcing Washington to take actions like bringing economic sanctions and assassinating Gen Soleimani.

Instead of focusing on diplomacy to resolve his disputes with the United States, the Iranian leader was busy “managing economic collapse and a political crisis, and the death of his Qods Force leader”, the US official alleged.

Iran has rejected such claims as incorrect, pointing out that it was President Donald Trump who walked out of a peace treaty negotiated by the previous US administration.

Iranian leaders say that they had participated in all international efforts to find a negotiated settlement, but the Trump administration has always been more interested in sanctions and military actions than talks.

Iran announced on Sunday it would no longer abide by the limits placed on its nuclear programme under a deal it signed with the United States and other world powers in 2015. Besides the United States, China, Russia, Germany, France and Britain signed this treaty.

President Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in May 2018 and justified his unilateral action by saying the accord was flawed. The agreement offered Tehran relief from stinging sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear weapons programme.

“Mr. Trump’s gambit has effectively backfired,” observed The New York Times while commenting on Tehran’s announcement and Washington’s decision to eliminate Gen Soleimani.

But Germany, France and Britain have urged Tehran to drop measures that go against the agreement.

“We call on Iran to withdraw all measures that are not in line with the nuclear agreement,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a joint statement.

The European leaders reminded the US and Iran that “it is crucial now to de-escalate” and urged “all players involved to show utmost restraint and responsibility”.

They also warned against jeopardising the gains made against the militant Islamic State group, alluding to the adoption of a resolution by Iraq’s parliament calling upon Washington to withdraw its troops from the country at the earliest.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1526782/us-praises-imran-for-efforts-to-defuse-tensions-with-iran

 

[Mamoon]

First you need to decide who is Pakistan's master, Chinese or USA? can't be both.

We have many masters, including a certain country that told Imran to sit down when he was about board to the flight to Kuala Lumpur for a summit.

The problem arises when the interests of your masters collide, and that is what is going to happen if the U.S. decides to go to war with Iran.

So far Pakistan has been able to dance around the conflict between U.S. and China because they both need Pakistan for different reasons and purposes.

If the U.S. goes to war with Iran, they would need Pakistan to offer a base in Balochistan, which is now unofficially China’s property,

Of course, China will not be happy with Pakistan allowing the U.S. to penetrate Balochistan, and Pakistan cannot say no to the U.S. either. It has never been able to.

Keeping both happy at the same time will be a massive challenge. However, as I said, it is exactly what we deserve.

 

[Mamoon]

If that's the case (which I hope and believe not) then hopefully IK is man enough to resign.

If Pakistan finally says no to the U.S. for once, PTI supporters will do bhangra and give credit to Imran Khan for doing what no Pakistan leader has done before.

However, if Pakistan allows the U.S. to have presence in Balochistan, the same set of people would blame Bajwa.

As a result, the question of people demanding Imran to resign would not arise, and he will not do it either because he has already compromised his vision and his integrity to become the PM.

It is abundantly clear that the PM seat is more dear to him than his morals, beliefs and principles.

 

[Varun]

If nothing else he is a compassionate human being and that’s what I’m pinning my hopes on.

He’s about to come under a lot of pressure internationally and probably domestically.

A war in Iran could easily trigger a civil war in Pakistan.

Poor guy should have a legacy of being a 50 over World Cup winner and yet he is forced to deal with the crapola that is the Middle East 25+ years later.

 

[kk1992]

We have many masters, including a certain country that told Imran to sit down when he was about board to the flight to Kuala Lumpur for a summit.


The problem arises when the interests of your masters collide, and that is what is going to happen if the U.S. decides to go to war with Iran.

So far Pakistan has been able to dance around the conflict between U.S. and China because they both need Pakistan for different reasons and purposes.

If the U.S. goes to war with Iran, they would need Pakistan to offer a base in Balochistan, which is now unofficially China’s property,

Of course, China will not be happy with Pakistan allowing the U.S. to penetrate Balochistan, and Pakistan cannot say no to the U.S. either. It has never been able to.

Keeping both happy at the same time will be a massive challenge. However, as I said, it is exactly what we deserve.

So who is Pakistan's master, China, USA, or Saudi?

 

[Markhor]

He has always prided himself in handling pressure situations. The Iran-Iraq war did not trigger any civil conflict in Pak. Here if we side with the Americans by giving them our military bases to bomb Iran then there will be massive unrest in Pak as well.

No but it triggered an outgrowth of sectarian militancy the likes of which had not been seen previously in Pakistan, promoted at the behest of Zia-ul-Haq and the Saudis who wanted to use Sunni militancy as a check on Iranian influence.

 

[Mamoon]

So who is Pakistan's master, China, USA, or Saudi?

We have three masters, the ones you mentioned. However, Saudi takes dictations from the U.S. as well so they are also slaves to the U.S. in some capacity.

Unfortunately, we are no one’s masters and we get upset when Afghanistan and Bangladesh decide to be India’s slaves and not ours.

 

[PakLFC]

No but it triggered an outgrowth of sectarian militancy the likes of which had not been seen previously in Pakistan, promoted at the behest of Zia-ul-Haq and the Saudis who wanted to use Sunni militancy as a check on Iranian influence.

It probably won't get any worse then that if we were to allow the Americans to use our bases.

 

[sjahmed23]

Even saudis and israelis dont want any piece of this and are calling for peace

 

[minamino]

Pakistan should stay neutral and if not that then support USA. There is no need to support the Iranians.

 

[andy0204]

Pakistan should stay neutral and if not that then support USA. There is no need to support the Iranians.

If that's the case then Indians should stop importing oil from Iran.

 

[andy0204]

If that's the case then Indians should stop importing oil from Iran.

It's better to be neutral.

 

[Minnowbasher]

Pakistan should have nothing to do with this war.

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Imran Khan has stressed the need to take "immediate measures for de-escalation" in the Middle East, amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran.

In the early hours of Wednesday, Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq in retaliation for the US drone strike on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani whose killing has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East.

While talking to Oman's Minister for Endowment and Religious Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abdullah Assalami in Islamabad on Wednesday, the premier expressed "deep concern" over the evolving situation in the region, Radio Pakistan reported.

The prime minister underscored the imperative of avoiding any further escalation in the conflict.

Spoiler

While stressing that war is in nobody’s interest, Prime Minister Imran "recalled that Pakistan has suffered greatly due to earlier regional conflicts", the report said. He also made it clear that Pakistan "would not be part of any conflict in the region".

During the meeting, the premier also recalled his earlier attempts to facilitate contacts between the US and Iran as well as Tehran and Riyadh for resolution of their differences.

"Pakistan would always be a partner for peace and would continue playing its role to defuse tensions, prevent a conflict, and preserve peace," the prime minister was quoted as saying.

'Region cannot afford war'
Earlier on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said rising tensions in the region due to the situation in the Middle East was not in anyone's interest, adding that the region could not afford war.

"The region cannot afford war. It is not in anyone's interest and will impact the global economy," Qureshi said, according to a statement issued by the foreign minister's spokesperson.

Qureshi added: "The ones who were attacked this morning are still assessing the damage. Initial reports suggest that there has been no loss of human life."

Commenting on Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's recent statement, Qureshi said it reflected Iran's intent to not escalate tensions.

"The statement reflected the seriousness of the situation and showed restraint. The US should also exercise caution.

"There is still a large majority in the US which is not in favour of war and does not want to thrust the US army into the frontlines," he said.

The foreign minister added he had been in touch with his counterparts in the region. "We are also endeavouring to ensure that tensions in the region remain in check."

Qureshi went on to say that the views expressed by him during the Senate session on Monday were the views of the government.

"It is too premature to say anything for certain as the situation is still precarious. However, Pakistan does not want tensions to escalate. This region cannot witness yet another war," the foreign minister emphasised.

"Such matters need to be resolved through dialogue. The UN security council and the international community needs to play a role in resolving tensions in the region," he said.

'Pakistan will not be party to US-Iran conflict'
On Monday, Qureshi had briefed the Senate on tensions in the Middle East, making it clear that Pakistan will not become party to the regional conflict.

Qureshi told the Senate that according to regional experts, the repercussions of the strike that killed Soleimani could be more severe than the 2011 raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and the 2019 killing of militant Islamic State group chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

"The situation in the Middle East is very sensitive, fluid and concerning."

He maintained that Pakistan "does not support any unilateral action and is against the use of force as it never resolves matters".

"Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state," Qureshi said, adding that Pakistan "will not be party to this regional conflict".

https://www.dawn.com/news/1527018/p...ate-measures-for-de-escalation-in-middle-east

 

[Ozeirk]

Pakistan will not risk another hostile neighbour and war. If any attack is launched from a Pakistani base there will be retaliation from Iran on Pakistani soil and i won't be surprised if they launch missiles at our major cities. This will effectively make us have 3 hostile neighbours and Pakistan will not risk it no matter whose pressure is on them.

 

[Ozeirk]

There is a difference between not going to a conference and risking a full scale war with a neighbour under someone's pressure.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1214911382891745280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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[kk1992]

Pakistan will not risk another hostile neighbour and war. If any attack is launched from a Pakistani base there will be retaliation from Iran on Pakistani soil and i won't be surprised if they launch missiles at our major cities. This will effectively make us have 3 hostile neighbours and Pakistan will not risk it no matter whose pressure is on them.

There is a difference between not going to a conference and risking a full scale war with a neighbour under someone's pressure.

You can't make someone to understand this simple concept when they have an agenda, which is live, breath, eat, and crap criticism for the sake of criticism.

Most of the threads are maligned by coming up with ridiculous made up suggestion as long as those long essay can make IK, Pakistan and Pakistani army look like culprit of any and everything that has happened around the world.

 

[Hermoine Green]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1214911382891745280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Thats brilliant and thats what we want.

 

[Mamoon]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The urgency in US calls to Pakistan Army Chief is striking. Just as striking is the redundancy of Imran Khan in US-Pak Army interaction. Nobody cares what he says. No one calls him for anything of substance. Only one guy matters in Pakistan and to the US: Gen Bajwa.</p>— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalatHussain12/status/1214932567679537152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Those who put faith in the puppet, or wrote about his ‘popularity,’ are now disappointed that the rest of the world is directly engaging the puppeteer, not the puppet. &#55357;&#56847;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanPMignored?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanPMignored</a></p>— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) <a href="https://twitter.com/husainhaqqani/status/1214897595648229376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Mamoon]

#PakistanPMignored

 

[last_knight]

#PakistanPMignored

Choti choti khushiyan.

Thanks to this unfortunate problem of Iran-USA, last few days have helped me decipher some usual suspect posters. Will come back to it at an appropriate time.

 

[Waleed93]

It is not something to be happy about. We have once again been reduced to a laughing stock at the international level.

Well I hope Bajwa at least briefed Imran on the conversation between him and Pompeo.

Let’s not even talk about the word-chewing Foreign Minister and the malnourished Defense Minister.

The only one who is getting reduced to a laughing stock in front of everyone is you.

Imran has clearly said that Pakistan is ready to play a role for peace, but it will never take part in another foreign war.

He has clearly showed what Pakistan's stance is regarding this issue, and yet, you have to rely on tweets coming from jokers like Talat and Haqqani as if they know more than anybody else.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1214911382891745280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is exactly why we elected him.

No more favours. No more compromises.

Pakistan First. FTW.

 

[Ryw]

Pakistan should stay away from this mess and be neutral. They cannot afford another enemy for example Iran in this case.

 

[Syed1]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1214911382891745280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Greatest PM in our history..... No wonder certain people dont like it.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">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</p>— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1214911382891745280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Well played once again.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan needs to get involved and put some sense in Iran's head (diplomatically of course)

 

[MenInG]

TEHRAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Sunday met Iranian President Dr Hassan Rouhani and called for using diplomatic means to reduce the tension in the region and resolve issues amicably.

The foreign minister is on a two-nation visit to Iran and Saudi Arabia on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan following recent developments which seriously endangered peace and security in an already volatile region and underscored the need for immediate and collective efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Mr Rouhani lauded the peace-building efforts by Pakistan and clarified that Iran did not want to increase the tension.

During the meeting which encompassed the US-Iran tension, regional peace and the multifaceted Pak-Iran ties, the foreign minister said both the countries enjoyed deep historic, religious and cultural ties.

Qureshi urges immediate, collective efforts for peace

He thanked Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani on behalf of PM Khan for raising their voice against Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir and supporting Pakistan’s stand.

While presenting Pakistan’s perspective on the regional situation, he emphasised the resolution of the issues amicably by utilising diplomatic channels.

He also apprised the Iranian president about his recent conversation with the foreign ministers of different countries.

He said recent statements from the Iranian side were encouraging as Pakistan believes that the region could not afford any more tension or confrontation.

The foreign minister reiterated that Pakistan would not join any war in the region; rather it would continue playing a vibrant and positive role for peace.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1528006/iran-doesnt-want-to-heighten-tension-rouhani

 

[minamino]

Why do Pakistanis support Iran?

Why do Pakistanis support Iran? There is very minimal cultural similarities and Qasim Soleimani threatened to attack Pakistan last year so I don't get why Pakistanis are mourning the death of someone who threatened to attack Pakistan?

 

[last_knight]

I think it's when other option is only USA.
In general KSA has more support despite KSA being the bigger bullies.

 

[sindhiboy]

shia community

 

[Lonewarrior]

are you Pakistani or Indian ? just want to know ....

 

[msaaim89]

Because Iran has unfairly been bullied for decades.

 

[Pakistanian]

I guess you polled every Pakistani? Why do people from India love making blanket statements.

As for cultural similarities, I think Indians are just as alien to Pakistanis as Iranians are so I don't know what you're trying to get at.

 

[minamino]

Because Iran has unfairly been bullied for decades.

That's what happens when the whole country holds an embassy hostage.

 

[cric_man]

That's what happens when the whole country holds an embassy hostage.

Research why that happened.

 

[TSA321]

See this thread http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/showthread.php?234508-Why-are-Pakistanis-so-pro-Iran

 

[minamino]

Research why that happened.

That happened because of the Propaganda machine of regressive current regime brainwashing the people. Iran under Shah was in a much better position and if Mosadegh had not been overthrown, Iran would have what they are today even during their golden period

 

[msaaim89]

That's what happens when the whole country holds an embassy hostage.

Don't start the 'they did this so we did that' argument. Everyone knows it began with foreign meddling in Iranian affairs.

Even during WW2, neutral Iran was invaded by the Allies.

Simple fact is, it's the US that is causing trouble worldwide.

 

[cric_man]

That happened because of the Propaganda machine of regressive current regime brainwashing the people. Iran under Shah was in a much better position and if Mosadegh had not been overthrown, Iran would have what they are today even during their golden period

So you overthrow a democratically elected government and install a despot tyrant?
It happened 9 months after the regime came into place. Not much time to brainwash the populance.

 

[MenInG]

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that a military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be "disastrous" for Pakistan and it is for this reason that his government is making efforts to defuse regional tensions.

In a wide-ranging interview with German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW), published on Thursday, the premier also shed light on the balancing act that Islamabad often finds itself in while maintaining ties with its neighbours.

"It's true that we live in a difficult neighbourhood and we have to balance our actions. For instance, Saudi Arabia is one of Pakistan's greatest friends and has always been there for us. Then we have Iran, with which we have always maintained a good relationship," he said in response to a question by DW Editor-in-Chief Ines Pohl.

"Therefore, a military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran would be disastrous for Pakistan. We are trying our best to make sure that ties between these two countries do not deteriorate. It is a region that cannot afford another conflict."

Prime Minister Imran said Pakistan is also "doing its best" to bring peace to Afghanistan. "It is a country that has suffered so much in the past 40 years. We pray that the Taliban, the Americans and the Afghan government achieve peace," he added.

His comments come a week after the United States and Iran came to the brink of war after Iran launched missile attacks on US-led forces in Iraq, in retaliation for the US drone strike on Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani whose killing raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East.

The situation de-escalated after US President Donald Trump, while delivering a televised address, extended an olive branch to the "people and leaders" of Iran to work together for "shared priorities". In the same breath, he announced more "punishing" economic sanctions against Tehran.

Taking note of the dangerously high tensions, Prime Minister Imran sent Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to Tehran and Riyadh to encourage exercising of "maximum restraint" in the dispute. Qureshi is currently in Washington as part of his efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.

'Lukewarm response' to Kashmir
Discussing the tensions between India and Pakistan that worsened after New Delhi scrapped the special status of Indian-occupied Kashmir in August last year, Prime Minister Imran reiterated that India has been taken over by the extremist "Hindutva" ideology.

"It is a tragedy for India — and for its neighbours — that the country has been taken over by the RSS, an organisation which also assassinated the great Mahatma Gandhi. A nuclear-armed country is being run by extremists, and Kashmir has been under siege for over five months," he told DW.

The premier said it was "sadly" true that the international community has not paid enough attention to the Kashmir conflict. "Consider the sort of media attention the Hong Kong protests are getting. The tragedy of Kashmir is much greater," he stressed.

Asked why was this was so, the prime minister said: "Unfortunately, commercial interests are more important for Western countries. India is a big market and that is the reason behind the lukewarm response to what is happening to some eight million people in Kashmir, as well as to minorities in India. [...] Also, strategically, India is supposed to be a counterbalance to China, and therefore you see a completely different approach to the two conflicts."

Responding to the allegation that the human rights situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir is not good, Prime Minister Khan said: "Well, it's very easy to find out. We invite anyone from anywhere in the world to visit the Pakistan side of Kashmir and then go to the Indian side. Let them decide."

He once again justified not speaking out publicly against China's treatment of its Muslim Uighur population, saying the scale of what is happening in India "is not comparable to what is supposedly happening to the Uighurs in China".

"Second, China has been our great friend. It has helped us in our most difficult times because of the economic crisis my government inherited. Therefore, we do talk about things with China privately, not publicly, as these are sensitive issues."

Pakistan influence on Taliban
Talking about the current status of the Afghan peace talks, Prime Minister Imran said in his view they were "heading towards a ceasefire".

"Peace in Afghanistan would open up trading opportunities in Central Asia. It [Afghanistan] would also become an economic corridor for us. If there is peace in Afghanistan, our people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan, will also benefit," the premier said.

Asked how much influence Pakistan still wields over the Afghan Taliban, he replied: "Pakistan has played its part in peace talks. There was a hostage situation and with Pakistan's efforts, two out of three Western hostages were released. So, we are doing our best with whatever influence we have."

On Harry and Meghan
The prime minister was also asked for his thoughts on Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's decision to step back from senior roles in the royal family.

Prime Minister Imran, who was a friend of Harry's late mother Princess Diana, responded: "I have so many issues in Pakistan to deal with. It doesn't seem to be a huge issue to me. I think, it's their life. If that's how they want to lead it, then why should people interfere?

"I think they are a young couple who want to lead their own life, so it's up to them," he added.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1528691/a...ould-be-disastrous-for-pakistan-says-pm-imran

 

[MenInG]

The United States was further isolated on Friday over its bid to reimpose international sanctions on Iran, with 13 countries on the 15-member United Nations Security Council expressing their opposition and arguing that Washington's move is void given it is using a process agreed under a nuclear deal that it quit two years ago.

In the 24 hours since US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he triggered a 30-day countdown to a return of UN sanctions on Iran - including an arms embargo - long-time allies the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Belgium as well as China, Russia, Vietnam, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South Africa, Indonesia, Estonia and Tunisia have already written letters in opposition, Reuters news agency reported.

Source Al Jazeera