ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said yesterday that Pakistan believed in co-existence.

FM Qureshi reiterated that Pakistani leadership’s vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’ was focused around economic security – for the well-being and welfare of our people.

“March 23 is an important landmark in the history of our nation. On this day, we commemorate the valiant struggle of our forefathers for a separate homeland that began with the historic Pakistan Resolution of 1940, and culminated in the attainment of freedom seven years later,” he said in a message on Pakistan Day.

FM Qureshi’s statement advocating peace comes amid reports that he and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar could meet on the sidelines of the ‘Heart of Asia’ Conference in Tajikistan capital in March 30.

The ‘Heart of Asia’ conference is part of the Istanbul Process, an initiative on security and cooperation for a stable and peaceful Afghanistan - it was launched in November 2011 in Turkey.

Both sides are keen to meet as relations between the two neighbours are showing some initial signs of collaboration. Both sides will likely to discuss the issue of the “reinstatement” of envoys in each other’s countries.

Pakistan and Indian FM’s will also possibly discuss moving ahead with the next round of the Saarc Summit.

Pakistan Resolution, FM Qureshi said, “truly reflects our deep national and historical aspirations and desires. On this Day, we pay rich tribute to the Father of the Nation and all leaders, elders, martyrs and heroes who rendered great sacrifices for the realization of our dream.”

He also said, “This day provides us an opportunity every year to renew our commitment to making our country a true welfare, progressive and prosperous state.”

He said while fully resolved to protect our vital national security interests, our emphasis is shifting from geo-strategic to geo-economics. 

“Rather than partaking in geo-political competition and rivalries, Pakistan is advocating co-existence and win-win cooperation. Pakistan is committed to pursue policies that promote peace and stability, development partnerships, and connectivity,” he added.

The FM said Pakistan also “expresses solidarity and support to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their just struggle for the right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions”

While the Covid-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to the world, it has also offered new opportunities for international solidarity and cooperation, he said.

Pakistan continues to underscore the need for greater global collaboration to decisively defeat this menace, he said.

“Nations have to go through difficult times, but only with unity they sail through. We, Pakistanis, have exhibited tremendous responsibility in fighting the pandemic. As the virus continues to threaten lives, we cannot afford to overlook the importance of preventive measures,” the FM said.