ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Pakistan wanted to have good relations with the US based on equality, and that the nation had provided support to the US in the Afghan war, which could not be won without the help of his country, he said while talking to a private news channel.
“We have made the efforts to control terrorism after immense sacrifices,” he said.
Asif said due to its strategic location, the US was still using his country. Pakistan had handed over 27 people to the US, he revealed.
To a question on the current situation of relations with the US, he said there was a “trust deficit” between the two countries but “we wanted to improve the ties with the US based on equality.”
He also said Pakistan would provide all possible support to the Afghan government for restoring peace in their country.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan would never compromise on national interest and the dignity of the country.
“We had made mistakes in the past and we have paid a heavy price,” he said.
Asif said that due to their effective foreign policy, Pakistan’s relations with Russia was improving.
Regarding Pakistan’s name in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list, he said all-out efforts would be made to bring the country out of the list.
He said Pakistan had been in the grey and black list of FATF during the regime of Pakistan Peoples Party.
‘Loyal to Nawaz Sharif’
Commenting on Senate elections, Asif said the workers of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), were loyal to Nawaz Sharif, and the candidates had contested the Senate elections independently but no one was leaving the party.
The results and popularity of PML-N in Lodhran, Chakwal, Sargodha and other elections were for all to see, he added.
On Shahbaz Sharif’s nomination for premiership, Asif said that the Chief Minister of Punjab had made great struggles and sacrifices for the PML-N, and the Punjab province had achieved record development and progress under his leadership.
On Maryam Nawaz, Asif said: “She was the future of PML-N.”
