Pakistan Asserts Independence in Foreign Policy, Rejects Implications of Blindly Following US

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that despite having good relations with the United States, Pakistan would not automatically support Washington's actions deemed unacceptable. This statement comes in response to speculations that Pakistan would conform to US policy on all issues after the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. Dar clarified that Pakistan issued a firm statement condemning the strikes and upholding Iran's right to respond.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan's Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, stated that the country's good relations with the US do not imply unconditional support for US actions deemed wrong.
• Pakistan condemned the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and supported Iran's right to respond.
• Iran has since taken revenge by targeting a US base in Qatar, but a ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains in place.
• Iran appreciated Pakistan's efforts at the UN Security Council and expressed gratitude in its Parliament, with chants of "Thanks to Pakistan" echoing during the Iranian President's address.
• Pakistan supported Iran's efforts to avoid isolation, and a meeting was convened with Turkish leaders to discuss the Iran issue.
• Pakistan will not request others to persuade India to initiate talks, with Foreign Minister Dar stating that Pakistan is willing to discuss terrorism and other contentious issues.
• Pakistan is ready to engage in talks with India, with Foreign Minister Dar suggesting that a suitable venue for talks can be found among the 200 countries worldwide.

Statistics:

• At least three Iranian nuclear sites were bombed by the US in a strike deemed unacceptable by Pakistan.
• Iran retaliated by targeting a US base in Qatar.
• A ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains in place.
• Pakistan's efforts at the UN Security Council were appreciated by Iran.
• Pakistan's support for Iran was expressed in gratitude by the Iranian Parliament.

Sources:

• "Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said this in a press conference on national news channels"

(Pakistan News Channels, name not specified)

Note: The exact name of the news channel is not provided in the source.