Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday described the Iran-US peace agreement as a major diplomatic success and a matter of pride for Pakistan, saying the development would benefit not only the region but also the wider international community.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House, Chaudhry said the agreement was the result of coordinated efforts by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the entire Pakistani team played an important role in achieving the breakthrough. He also credited Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for their contributions to the diplomatic process.
Chaudhry said the agreement would help ease tensions in the region and reduce the risk of a broader conflict.
“The threat of a major war has been averted and the global economic situation will improve as a result,” he said.
He added that the expected lifting of sanctions on Iran could create new opportunities for Pakistan, particularly in the areas of trade and energy cooperation.
“The lifting of sanctions on Iran will benefit Pakistan in the trade and energy sectors,” he said.
The minister said all political parties should work together to ensure that the benefits of the diplomatic success reach the people.
Turning to domestic politics, Chaudhry said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as an ally of the federal government, is consulted on all important matters.
“Bilawal Bhutto is our ally and the PPP is consulted on every important issue,” he said.
Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Nawaz Sharif had recently been consulted during an important meeting on the Kashmir issue.
He said the federal government would continue to take decisions on Kashmir after consulting the leadership of Azad Jammu and Kashmir as well as allied political parties.
“The federal government will take decisions after consultation with the Kashmir leadership and allied parties,” he said.
Referring to an agreement reached on issues related to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry said 37 out of its 38 points had already been implemented.
“Thirty-seven of the 38 points of the agreement were implemented. There should be an answer as to why such a major disturbance was created over one point,” he said.
The minister also referred to audio recordings that had surfaced in recent days, saying the facts would become clear once investigations were completed.
“Some audios have come to light and the facts will be revealed through investigation,” he said.
Chaudhry alleged that hostile elements were attempting to create instability in Balochistan and Kashmir through proxy networks.
“Enemy elements try to spread chaos in Balochistan and Kashmir through proxies,” he said.
He maintained that issues relating to the rights and concerns of the people of Kashmir would be addressed through democratic means and dialogue.
“The rights and problems of the people of Kashmir will be resolved democratically,” he added.
