US shouldn't view ties with Pakistan through 'Indian lens': Qureshi
What's the story
The US should not view its ties with Pakistan from the Indian lens or Afghan perspective, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in Islamabad on Saturday. The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived this January after President Donald Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.
Details
All differences won't be resolved in one day, says Qureshi
Qureshi said Pakistan's ties with the US couldn't be undermined easily. "Relations with the US are improving gradually. I have made it clear to the US authorities... Pakistan wants bilateral relations with Washington based on mutual respect and reciprocity," he said. He also said it would be wrong to expect that all differences between the US and Pakistan could be resolved in one day.
Regional situations
'Pakistan's contribution for peace, stability in region should be acknowledged'
Qureshi said regional situations evolve and requirements change, but Pakistan's contribution for peace and stability in the region should be acknowledged. "It will not be appropriate to view our (US-Pakistan) relations going as far back as seven decades from the Afghan perspective or the Indian lens," he said in Multan after returning from his 10-day visit to the US.
Relations with India
Restoration of talks can resolve all issues with India: Qureshi
Qureshi, who had met US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton in Washington, said the Foreign Office will continue its efforts to represent Pakistan effectively on the international forum. Responding to a question about Pakistan's relations with neighbors, he said Pakistan wants good relations with India and restoration of talks is the best option to resolve all issues.