Ups and downs in statements from Indian leadership to continue till elections: FM Qureshi

MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Sunday that ups and down in Indian politics will continue until elections take place in the country. 

Speaking to media in Multan, Qureshi said Pakistan has always supported peace in the region, but it reserves the right to defend itself against any foreign aggression. 

“Pakistan is ready to resolve all issues with India through dialogue and Islamabad will take two steps if New Delhi takes one in that direction,” Qureshi added.

He added there will be ups and downs in statements from the Indian leadership in the wake of the upcoming elections in India. “Situation will improve in India after the elections,” Qureshi said.

The foreign minister continued and said India is trying to isolate Pakistan through diplomacy. “We have to be watchful of the enemy and not let our guard down,” Qureshi added if India showed any aggression then Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself.

In response to a question about China, the foreign minister said “China has always been an important friend of Pakistan. China has always stood by our side. It has given importance to Pakistan’s need and will continue to do so,” Qureshi added.

Responding to a question, the foreign minister said after permission from the prime minister, he has written a letter to Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif on the National Action Plan. “I do not have an issue with briefing the entire parliament. If Bilawal Bhutto can send us his reservations on banned organisations and the steps to take against them, we will give importance to his recommendations. Issues cannot be solved through just statements.”

In response to a question about the two Hindu girls who were allegedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, Qureshi said we will defend our minorities. “If any injustice has been done, then we will stand with them. We do not have double standards,” he added.