International Desk //

Pakistan and China have expressed their firm resolve to maintain regional peace and stability. The announcement was made on Sunday amid the escalation of hostilities in South Asia in the wake of the deadly attack in Pahalgaon in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar made the announcement during a telephone exchange with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the current regional situation.

The two top diplomats called for the development of mutual respect and understanding and opposition to unilateral and hegemonic policies.

In the context of tensions with India over Kashmir, Pakistan has been in touch with friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Egypt, besides China.

New Delhi has blamed Islamabad for the attack without any evidence and has taken several tough decisions including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling visas for Pakistanis, and closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing.

In response, Pakistan has also taken several steps including banning Indian flights and cancelling visas for Indians. Pakistan has also threatened to cancel the Shimla Agreement.

Islamabad has strongly denied its involvement in the attack. It has called on India to provide evidence in this regard.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said in a statement on Sunday that Islamabad and Beijing have agreed to maintain close communication to achieve the common goals of peace, security, and sustainable development.

Source: The News International