Pakistan urges de-escalation, reiterates support for peace through dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Reiterating its principled position on the current situation in the region, Pakistan has appealed to all concerned parties to exercise restraint, responsibility and take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions. The Foreign Office says that Pakistan considers the promotion of peace, stability and mutual respect in the region as a fundamental part of its foreign policy and considers dialogue and diplomacy to be the only effective way to resolve differences.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan stands by its long-standing principle of respecting and supporting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all brotherly and friendly countries in the region. According to the statement, in the current circumstances, it is necessary for all parties to refrain from such steps that may lead to an increase in tension, while serious efforts should be continued to resolve the issues through peaceful means.

The spokesperson also stressed that the concerned parties should fully abide by the commitments and obligations made under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. According to him, mutual trust, constant communication and implementation of the agreed agreements can only form the basis of lasting peace and stability in the region.

The statement further said that Pakistan supports a policy based on constructive diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation and will continue its positive efforts to establish peace and stability in the region. The Foreign Office reiterated its commitment that Pakistan will continue to support international norms and diplomatic means for the peaceful resolution of regional disputes and shared prosperity.

According to analysts, such statements become important on occasions when there are concerns about increasing tensions in the region, because only diplomatic contacts and negotiations can play an effective role in preventing conflicts from escalating and maintaining regional stability.