No one happy about Wazirstan crisis: Kasuri
Bureau Report

KARACHI—The foreign minister of Pakistan, Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has said that while nobody was happy with war in Wazirstan but should we keep quiet about Wazirstan issue, we should not forget the 37 countries (NATO) stationed in Afghanistan, who could react if attacked by militants.
While addressing an inaugural of a book by renowned journalist Mahmood Sham, and talking to journalists after the function, he said that America was Pakistan’s biggest investor, besides having a defense pact as a part of the massive friendship package between two countries.
He also expressed his satisfaction at the ongoing Pak-India relations and CBMs, with talks on all issues including the core issue of Kashmir, which was a good omen for peace and stability for Southeast Asia. He refuted any notion of an arms race with India, which might jeopardize peace, and harmony of the region.
He cited Rs. 1.677 billion trade between two countries, while commerce secretaries of both countries have targeted a volume of 10 billion for the forthcoming five years, while a regular train and bus service between two countries has also been started.
He also informed that Pakistan has made it quiet clear to India that dialogue was the only conducive and reliable way out of long standing disputes, among which the core issue of Kashmir, stands out most prominently.
Referring to Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan, he reiterated his resolve for a strong and stable Afghanistan being in Pakistan’s favor, citing Pakistan’s rehabilitation efforts for the embattled country (Afghanistan).
He informed that there were about 2 million Afghan refugees still in Pakistan and while trade with that neighboring country has peaked to U$1.2 billion, security has been beefed up around the Pakistan-Afghan to contain illegal infiltration.
He said that Pakistan aspired to ease Iran-West tensions, and was in constant touch with EU, America and Iran since last three years, while strongly advocating Iran’s right to attain peaceful nuclear technology, and expressing his satisfaction at the ongoing IPI gas pipeline project.
Lauding the ever strong and lasting relations between Pakistan and china he Said that trade relations between two countries were developing at a fast pace, and trade between two has surmounted to U$5.2 billion from U$ 1.3 billion, during past five years.
He rebuffed the usual onslaught directed at Pakistan’s foreign policy, which was blamed for towing the American line, vowing never to compromise on Nation’s aspirations. He cited such issues as Iranian nuclear issue, IPI gas pipeline project, and others as a benchmark.
Replying to a question regarding the ongoing war in Wazirstan being fought on American directives, he said that it should also be noted that government had also signed an accord with Wazirstan militants, despite severe criticism, but had to resort to war with militants after a series of criminal acts by them.
He revealed that after the abduction of South Korean group the South Korean PM called him to caution against the possible relocation of the group into Pakistan’s territory since that might have induced NATO troops to invade Pakistan. Foreign Minister, Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri Wednesday said that Pakistan-US relations were in a good state, which has undergone a transformation in the past few years, particularly in the post 9/11 phase.
The country’s Foreign Minister was speaking at the launching of the book “Visiting America’s Mind” by senior journalist, Mahmood Shaam, at a hotel here. He said that the US was our largest trade partner and among the leading foreign investors in Pakistan. Our defence ties have been traditionally strong, he said. He said that the defining principle in inter-state relations was always the pursuit of national interest and this principle guides Pakistan’s relations with the United States, as indeed with others.
“Our relationship with the US was multidimensional - including political, economic, trade, investment, defence, education, health, counter terrorism, and regional peace and stability” said Kasuri.