ISLAMABAD:
A day after the landmark meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House, Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its opposition to a military solution and emphasised diplomacy as the preferred way to resolve the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
At his weekly news briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the Pakistani delegation, led by the field marshal, likely conveyed Islamabad’s concerns and stance on the escalating conflict during the meeting.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) also released a statement confirming a “detailed exchange” between the two sides on the prevailing tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Iran situation. Both leaders reportedly stressed the need for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Responding to a question on President Trump’s remark that “Pakistan is not happy with the situation”, the spokesperson said the field marshal must have clearly communicated Pakistan’s position and concerns during the high-level discussions
“Pakistan’s authoritative position is conveyed in the foreign ministry’s statement, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar’s, statement in the Senate. So, you put two together, you can understand what must have been conveyed by our side, our concerns,” the spokesperson explained.
He, however, would not say any role was being envisaged for Pakistan in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “But what we can say is, we condemn what Israel is doing in Iran. It is in violation of all rules of civilized behavior, interstate relation, international law and international humanitarian law. This is very clear.”
“We prefer and are open to support any diplomatic effort which can lead to the de-escalation and restoration of peace,” he further said.
Sources said the Trump administration was told that diplomacy was the only way forward and any other means to resolve the conflict would have far reaching implications.
Trump and his team were briefed by the Pakistani side about the likely implications, which prompted the US president to tell reporters later that Pakistan knew more about Iran than many others.
Meanwhile, the military’s media wing on Thursday provided more details about the meeting at the White House and what transpired in over two-hour long exchange with Trump.
The high-level engagement was scheduled at the Cabinet Room over Luncheon followed by a visit to the Oval Office.
President Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio, and Mr Steve Witkoff, the US Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs. Field Marshal Asim Munir was joined in by Pakistan’s National Security Adviser.
During the meeting, the Chief of Army Staff conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and the people of Pakistan for President Trump’s constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis.
The COAS acknowledged President Trump’s statesmanship and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community.
President Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan’s ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in the field of counter-terrorism.
Discussions also encompassed avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests.
President Trump commended Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a period of complex regional dynamics. In a gesture reflecting the warmth of bilateral ties, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir extended an invitation to President Trump, on behalf of the government of Pakistan, to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.
Although initially scheduled for one hour, the meeting extended for over two hours, underscoring the depth and cordiality of the dialogue. “The engagement marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to reinforce the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States, built upon shared objectives of peace, stability, and prosperity,” said ISPR.
Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and US President Donald Trump discussed trade, economic development, and cryptocurrency during their meeting at the White House on Wednesday, the army said.
“President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a mutually beneficial trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests,” the army said in a statement on Thursday.
(With additional input from Reuters)
