Islamabad: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has said that Pakistan is committed to regional peace and stability and will continue its efforts for a negotiated and peaceful resolution of conflicts. In an interview with Al Arabiya English, he emphasized Pakistan's role as an objective and honest broker in promoting peace between Iran and the United States, leveraging its longstanding relations with both nations.
According to Radio Pakistan, Lieutenant General Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan's leadership, both political and military, has been actively engaging with all parties to prevent the situation from escalating and to encourage a negotiated outcome. He clarified that Pakistan has no vested interest in the Iran-related dispute, with its sole objective being to prevent the conflict from expanding.
Addressing Pakistan's foreign relations, he noted that ties with the United States, Iran, China, and other countries are independent and based on mutual benefit. Islamabad aims to enhance areas of convergence while effectively managing differences.
Discussing the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkiye defence agreement, Lieutenant General Chaudhry explained that it formalizes longstanding strategic relationships among the three countries. He stated that the agreement is defensive in nature, based on collective deterrence, and devoid of any offensive elements. It complements existing relations with other countries and alliances, aiming to maintain regional peace and stability.
He also mentioned that the three countries might consider new partners in the future if they share a vision of regional peace, stability, security, non-aggression, non-interference, and collective deterrence.
On the topic of Pakistan-India relations, Chaudhry asserted that military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors is not an option. He called for communication and engagement based on equality, mutual respect, sovereignty, and established international norms.
Regarding Afghanistan, the DG ISPR expressed Pakistan's objective to ensure that no terrorism or interference emanates from Afghan territory. He reported that terrorist groups are operating from Afghanistan, utilizing the space for recruitment, training, arming, and launching attacks inside Pakistan. He affirmed Pakistan's right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and pledged to continue necessary measures to protect its citizens.
Finally, he reiterated Pakistan's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, which have been ongoing for the past two decades.