ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (DNA): Pakistan has urged the world community not to
push the South Asian region into the arms race.

At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office
Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal was commenting on the induction of
Rafale fighter jets by India.

The spokesperson said Pakistan knows how to defend itself no matter it
is Rafale or any other fighter jet. He said the whole world is witness
to the episode of 27th February.

The spokesperson said Pakistan will not indulge in any arms race. He
said the focus of present government is also on human development,
health and education.

Voicing concerns over the indefinite curfew and blatant human rights
violations in Occupied Kashmir, the spokesperson said Pakistan demands
lifting of all sorts of restrictions and stoppage of human rights
violations in the held valley.

He said Pakistan stands by the oppressed Kashmiri people. We are trying
to raise the plight of Kashmiri people at every avenue.

Dr Muhammad Faisal said despite Indian efforts to cover up its
brutalities in occupied Kashmir, the plight of the Kashmiri people is
being recognized across the world. He pointed out that three US
Presidential candidates have added their voice in censuring India on the
appalling humanitarian situation in the valley.

Responding to a question about Kartarpur corridor, the spokesperson said
a formal invitation has been extended to former Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh to attend the opening ceremony of the corridor. He said
work on Kartarpur corridor is continuing with full speed and it will be
completed on time. He said the opening of the corridor will held on time
as committed by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Responding to a question, the spokesperson said Pakistan is working on
the dates of SAARC summit to be held in Islamabad. He said the dates
will be shared when finalized.

The spokesperson said there is possibility of Prime Minister Imran Khan
paying a visit to Saudi Arabia and Iran.

To a question about the Syrian conflict, Dr Muhammad Faisal said
Pakistan appreciates Turkey’s role in finding a viable political
solution to the conflict. He said we also commend Turkey’s humanitarian
efforts of graciously hosting over 3.5 million Syrian refugees on its
soil.

He said Pakistan also recognizes Turkey’s legitimate security concerns
in the region. He said Pakistan continues to support the territorial
integrity of Syria and hopes that a political solution to the conflict
will be reached at the earliest that takes into account the concerns of
all the regional stakeholders.