Islamabad, December 22,
2008: The Federal Minister
for Information and Broadcasting
Ms Sherry Rehman has said
that despite mixed signals
emanating from the Indian
side, and our ability
and resolve to defend
ourselves, the Government
of Pakistan continues
to push for peace and
hopes that India would
act with restraint and
responsibility.
Talking to a private
channel when asked about
the recent air alerts,
the Federal Information
Minister said that the
Pakistan Air Force is
vigilant and confident.
“It is important
for India and Pakistan
both to abide by the provisions
of the 1991 Agreement
on the Prevention of Airspace
Violation. Aggression
from any side would merely
serve the purpose of the
terrorists that hit India
with the intention of
raising the possibility
of war.”
The Federal Information
Minister said that following
the terrorist attacks
in Mumbai, Pakistan extended
full cooperation to the
Government of India and
also initiated an independent
investigation into the
matter. “Our proposal
for establishment of a
joint commission as well
as joint investigation
have been made in earnest
to move forward on an
area that equally concerns
both India and Pakistan.”
Ms Sherry Rehman said
that it is very important
to separate media opinion
from the government’s
position in a conflict
driven environment. “Our
Government has taken a
principled stand of not
making any comment on
media reports coming from
both sides. Both the countries
have free media that has
presented a diverse range
of opinions on the events
following the terrorist
attacks. Pakistan will
not be driven into conflict
by non state actors and
we expect India to act
responsibly too.”
In response to another
question, the Federal
Information Minister pointed
out that Pakistan has
taken action against the
Jamat-ud-Dawa and other
outfits linked with extremism
following the UN Resolution
1267. “Pakistan
is a responsible state
and fulfils its international
obligations.”
The Federal Information
Minister said that all
Pakistanis should have
confidence in their government
to act responsibly, as
well as to ensure their
safety.
Pakistan has always worked
for peace in South Asia
and we would continue
to play our role in establishing
institutions of dialogue
to resolve all issues
on the regional level.