ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar on Monday said the statements from the National Security Committee (NSC) have ruled out any foreign conspiracy behind the change of government in Pakistan and all speculations in this regard should be put to rest.
Dring his news briefing, the spokesperson briefing was taking place after a gap during which “a peaceful, democratic political transition has taken place in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan”.
The spokesperson said two consecutive meetings of the NSC have concluded that there was no foreign conspiracy and their conclusion was based on assessments from all stakeholders. “We should now get back to conducting diplomacy and concentrating on our important relations in the best interest of Pakistan,” he said.
He said the core focus should be improving relationships with our partners and the United States is one of the key partner of Pakistan and both sides are keen to build on the long standing relations and as well as further strengthen and diversify relations.
Answering another question, the spokesperson said Pakistan has the full capability to defend its interests as well as promote its stability and security.
He said irresponsible comments should be avoided as there is an element of trust and confidentiality, which is central to conducting effective diplomacy for a country and such episodes carry the potential of undermining our diplomacy and complicating our external relations.
Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan and Afghanistan are brotherly countries and regard terrorism as a serious threat for peace and development. He emphasised on cooperation between the two countries to curb cross-border terrorism in an effective manner.
He said Islamabad looks forward to continue close engagements with Kabul for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan and to create an environment conducive to regional stability, economic cooperation and connectivity.
READ MORE: NSC meeting finds no evidence of ‘foreign conspiracy’ against Imran’s govt
On April 22, the National Security Committee (NSC) held a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss the alleged ‘threat letter’ which former premier Imran Khan said was a plot to oust him.
According to a statement, the NSC discussed the telegram from the Pakistan Embassy in Washington. The meeting was attended by the the services chiefs and federal ministers
Former Pakistani ambassador to Washington Dr Asad Majeed Khan briefed the NSC on the context and content of the diplomatic cable that carried the alleged threat sent to the PTI government last month by US officials.
The NSC, after examining the contents of the communication, reaffirmed its decisions of the last NSC meeting. The NSC was informed by the premier security agencies that they have found no evidence of any conspiracy.
“Therefore, the NSC meeting after reviewing the contents of the communication, assessment received, and conclusions presented by the security agencies, concluded that there has no foreign conspiracy,” the statement added.
