ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that they are not oblivious to the mater of human smuggling by Chinese nationals; however, he said that the issue is being exaggerated.
While briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Tuesday, Qureshi said that they have discussed the issue of human smuggling with the Chinese authorities, and both the Countries are reviewing this matter and an effective policy will be framed in this regard.
The foreign minister said that keeping in view the issue, the Chinese government has also halted the process of issuing visas.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that some forces want to affect Pakistan-China relations.
In addition, the foreign minister apprised the Committee that the United States has not imposed any visa restrictions against Pakistan.
The minister said that the US is going to deport over 70 illegal Pakistanis. He said that Pakistan has asked the United States to fulfill legal requirements about the Pakistanis being deported.
Expressing concern over tension between Iran and the United States, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that it is impacting the region. He said that Pakistan is closely observing the situation and will formulate strategy keeping in view the national interest.
The foreign minister further said that Pakistan wants to make progress on multi-billion dollar Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project but there a is third party hurdle in the form of sanctions against Iran. He said that Pakistan is discussing this issue with Iran.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi also said that Pakistan is facilitating the intra-Afghan dialogue.
Furthermore, Qureshi informed the Committee that he will pay a two-day visit to Kuwait on Saturday and will have meetings with the Kuwaiti leadership. He said that he will also take a letter from Prime Minister Imran Khan to the Emir of Kuwait on the visa issue.
The minister said that the enhancement of Pakistan-Kuwait bilateral trade will be discussed in the meetings. He said that the Emir of Qatar is also expected to visit Pakistan in near future.
