Foreign Office says Pakistan is actively engaged with the Iranian government to deal with the spread of coronavirus and the evolving situation.

At her weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan fully supports the efforts of Iranian authorities in managing the outbreak of the virus. We stand in solidarity with them.

The spokesperson said our embassy and two consulates in Iran are alert and monitoring the situation closely and are reaching out to the Pakistani community there including Zaireen and students. Helplines have also been established in the embassy and the consulates to provide necessary updates and assistance to the community members.

Aisha Farooqui expressed grave concerns over the violence against Muslims including desecration of mosques in New Delhi. She said our leadership as well as the international community has also raised their concerns on the situation. She said the state oppression that the Kashmiri people have been suffering for decades at the hands of Indian authorities has now found its way in the Indian capital.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has welcomed the mediation offer made by the US President Donald Trump during his visit to India. She pointed out that the US President also lauded Pakistan's efforts against terrorism during the visit. She said the very remarks are a manifestation of upward trajectory in Pakistan-US relations. She said there is an increasing awareness in the world that resolution of Kashmir dispute is the key for peace and stability in the region.

The spokesperson however said Pakistan has concerns over the defense deals between the US and India especially the sale of sophisticated weapon system to New Delhi. This, she said, will further destabilize the already volatile region. We have alerted the international community many times about India's aggressive designs not only towards Pakistan but also other countries in the region.

She said Pakistan has been the victim of state terrorism emanating from the eastern border. She said we have shared our concerns in this regard with the international community.

Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan welcomes the peace deal to be signed between the US and Afghan Taliban on Saturday. She expressed the confidence that this will pave the way for intra Afghan dialogue. She hoped this historic opportunity will be seized by all the Afghan parties to take the people of Afghanistan towards peace and stability.

She said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will represent Pakistan at the peace agreement signing ceremony.

The spokesperson said Pakistan has played a significant role in facilitating the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

Aisha Farooqui confirmed that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan is on the cards. She said both the sides are working on the schedule of the visit.

Zahid/Karrar