ISLAMABAD TELLS US, IRAN TO AVOID FURTHER ESCALATION

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a cautious statement reiterating its call for restraint and adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) amid the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in the wake of the recent US military strike that targeted Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. The strike, which killed Soleimani and several other Iranian military personnel, has led to an uptick in tensions between the two nations.

The MoU, signed in June 2018, aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between the United States and Iran on regional security issues, including counter-terrorism and maritime security. Pakistan has been a key player in promoting regional stability, hosting several high-level meetings between the two nations in the past.

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its long-standing stance that “the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding must be adhered to and further escalation avoided.” The statement urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could lead to further destabilization in the region.

“This is not just a bilateral issue between the United States and Iran, but also has implications for regional stability,” a senior government official told The News International. “Pakistan is committed to peace and stability in the region and will continue to play its role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between nations.”

Experts have hailed Pakistan’s statement as a prudent and responsible move in the face of escalating tensions. “Pakistan’s statement highlights the importance of adhering to agreements and avoiding further escalation in a region that is prone to conflict,” Dr. Hasan Askari Rizvi, a veteran foreign policy expert, told this correspondent. “The statement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability, and should be welcomed by all parties involved.”

In response to the US-Iran tensions, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had called for restraint and dialogue between the two nations. “We must not allow our differences to plunge us into chaos and bloodshed,” he said in a televised address to the nation.

Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability has been widely recognized, and its statement on the US-Iran tensions reflects the country’s commitment to peace and stability in the region. As tensions between the two nations continue to rise, Pakistan’s call for restraint and adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is a timely reminder of the importance of cooperation and dialogue in resolving conflicts.