The foreign minister was speaking to his US counterpart via telephone, as he also made telephonic contacts with Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary general and briefed members of diplomatic corps in Islamabad on the Indian violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Spokesperson Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal, Foreign Minister Qureshi had a telephonic contact with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and apprised him of the LoC violation by India and the sentiments of Pakistani government, Parliament and the people. Condemning the Indian aggression, the foreign minister said the Modi government is jeopardising peace in South Asia for its political purposes and elections. Qureshi said that Pakistan is desirous of peace in the region, but will not compromise on its territorial integrity. He further stated that Pakistan has already conveyed Indian designs to the international community. "The foreign minister said that Indian aggression can affect the joint efforts to establish peace in Afghanistan," he said and also expressed the hope that the US will play its role in this regard. Meanwhile, the foreign minister also briefed the members of the diplomatic corps about the Indian violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity when at approximately 0254 hours, 6-8 Indian aircraft were effectively intercepted by Pakistani Air Force jets and forced to scuttle back while randomly releasing their ordnance which landed in uninhabited remote area. The foreign minister strongly rebutted the Indian purported claims of having targeted a large terrorist camp and resultant causalities as completely absurd and based on a false narrative designed to placate domestic audience. It was emphasised that Pakistan reserves its right to respond against Indian aggression, he added.
The foreign minister reiterated the Pakistan's principled stance on continuing support to the peaceful political struggle of the Kashmiri people for the realisation of the right to self-determination as enshrined in the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Foreign Minister Qureshi also held telephonic conversation with OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and exchanged views on the evolving situation of the region.
Condemning the Indian aggression, Qureshi urged the OIC secretary general that the forum should condemn the violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that the forum should also ask other member countries to do so. Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing called on Qureshi and discussed with him the overall situation of the region.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the foreign minister presented the Pakistan's stance on India's baseless allegations after the Pulwama incident and violation of the LoC. He also stated that Pakistan-China friendship is unparalleled and guarantees durable peace in the region, adding that China has always given diplomatic support to Pakistan on Kashmir and other issues.