Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that India's massive acquisition of conventional arms coupled with offensive posture poses threat to regional peace and security.  

Addressing a National Conference on Strategic Stability in South Asia in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said Pakistan will maintain credible minimum deterrence to ensure its national security.   

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is a peace loving country and our conduct as a nuclear state will continue to be defined by restraint and responsibility.

He said Pakistan is opposed to conventional and unconventional arms race in the region.

He said Pakistan expects the outside players to be mindful of their responsibility in terms of arms supplies to the region.

He hoped the key players would recognize the need for objective and even-handed approach which is not tainted by considerations of geo political dominance and defining new regional security paradigms.

Referring to the recent Indian belligerence, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan is committed to peaceful and normal relations in its neighborhood.

He made it absolutely clear that Pakistan is capable to frustrate any misadventure.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Pakistan has shown it is prepared to take concrete steps to ease tension and work for friendly relations with India with Kartarpur Corridor like initiatives.

He said our neighbor also needs to understand that the only way forward is dialogue.

Reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to build a prosperous and peaceful region, the Foreign Minister said conflict resolution is the key to strategic stability in the region. 

He said Pakistan remains steadfast to improve its relations with neighboring countries to build a prosperous South Asia.

About Kashmir dispute, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the Indian denial to the Kashmir right of self-determination and its blatant human rights violations have led to frustration amongst the Kashmiri youth. 

He said it is the reason that the freedom struggle in occupied Kashmir has gained momentum and caught world attention.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said what we are witnessing in Kashmir is the backlash of Indian atrocities inflicted on Kashmiris. He said solution to this outstanding dispute lies only in dialogue.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said Pakistan reserves the right to defend itself in case of any aggression by India.

Talking to the media persons in Islamabad today, he however, warned that any aggression or use of force will push the region towards instability.  

The Foreign Minister said Pakistan has always advocated for peace and acted with patience and responsibility.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all the neighbouring countries in the region.

Chairing the fourth consultative meeting on foreign affairs in Islamabad today, he said we want to resolve all outstanding issues with India through dialogue. 

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan will continue its cooperation for peace and stability in the region and Afghan peace process.

He said that recently held strategic dialogues with European Union and China indicate that we are promoting bilateral ties with key nations for economic stability of Pakistan and to make our diplomacy effective.

The Foreign Minister lauded Turkey for holding an emergency meeting of the OIC in the backdrop of terrorist attack in New Zealand.

The consultative meeting also reviewed the facilities being provided by Pakistani missions abroad to overseas Pakistanis.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said instructions have been issued to all embassies of Pakistan to provide maximum facilities to the overseas Pakistanis.

Meanwhile, talking to new Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Mashal Atif, who called on him in Islamabad today, the Foreign Minister said Pakistan will continue to play its role for peace in the region particularly in Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the situation of Afghanistan with special focus on Afghan reconciliation process came under discussion.

The Afghan Ambassador applauded the endeavors of Pakistan for regional peace.

Meanwhile, talking to the Somalian Ambassador to Pakistan in Islamabad today, Foreign Minister said strengthening economy is our foremost priority.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan desires to bolster trade relations with all the African countries including Somalia.

Both the sides agreed to enhance cooperation in different areas including energy, education,  infrastructure development and construction.