Ali Muhammad Khan (Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs): All the Parliamentarians have firmly stood up against the blasphemy of Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe Wa Sallam Khatam-un-Nabiyeen which is the basic requirement of Muslims’ faith.  Unfortunately, one religious group took the people to streets. A special committee has been formed to cope with the situation. Prime Minister Imran Khan has categorically stated that he wants to take the issue to the Western world to stop such acts in the future. The freedom of speech accorded by the government should not be misconstrued by any group or country and on one should hurt the sentiments of Muslims living around the world. Prime Minister Imran Khan raised the issue of Islamophobia at the international fora and called upon the world powers to make collective efforts to eradicate the menace of Islamophobia. All the Muslim countries should be united to stop this dangerous trend.

Najmuddin Shaikh: (Former Ambassador): It is important to understand that the political scenario is changing in the region. The UAE has announced to give financial relief and enhance economic relations with Pakistan. The UAE realizes that Pakistan is a best place for foreign investment. Peace and security is the key to attract international investors. Iran and Pakistan have cordial and historical ties. Both the countries are committed for durable peace in Afghanistan. Both the countries agreed on taking more effective measures for border safety. Pakistan wants to increase trade activities with Iran. The Foreign Minister’s recent visits to UAE and Iran would bring positive impacts on Pakistan's foreign policy. It is high time to enhance economic ties with regional countries. Pakistan and Turkey support each other at the international front and taking corrective measures for peace in Afghanistan. Economic cooperation and regional connectivity is imperative for regional prosperity. Pakistan can utilize its geographical location for regional connectivity and increased trade activities. Regional peace and security is directly linked with peace in Afghanistan. Pakistan will continue to support an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process for regional stability. Taliban and the Afghan government should hold negotiations to resolve their bilateral disputes.

Rahimullah Yusufzai: (Expert on Afghan Affairs):  Iran and the UAE are Pakistan’s brethren countries and we should strengthen healthy relations with out neighbours. Pakistan is taking concrete measures to resolve the Afghan dispute. Pakistan believes that Afghan issue should be resolved through negotiations. The upcoming conference in Ankara holds great significance for promoting peace in Afghanistan. The major stakeholders are preparing well for the conference. Talban are reluctant to attend the conference in the presence of international forces in Afghanistan. Joe Biden Administration has announced an unconditional withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan, which is in the interest of Taliban.

Fauzia Nasreen (Former Ambassador):  Pakistan should enhance its trade volume and economic relations with Iran. Iran and Pakistan are working together at expert level to improve road and rail connectivity. Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations are rooted in historical linkages and based on religious, linguistic, cultural linkages and spiritual affiliation.  Relations between the countries have by and large remained positive. Iran was the first country to recognize Pakistan after independence. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution of Iran, Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the new dispensation. The two countries have supported each other at critical junctures in their history.