Stresses Pakistan chose ‘path of peace’ during critical time, made efforts to bring both sides to negotiating table
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi addresses the 8th Global Security Forum in Doha, Qatar, on Monday. Global Security Forum
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that “winning peace was more important than winning the war” as he discussed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.
Speaking at the 8th Global Security Forum being held in Doha, Naqvi stressed that Pakistan chose the “path of peace” during a critical time and made efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table, further highlighting the personal efforts of the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir to achieve peace.
“The aim of both countries, Pakistan and Qatar, was never to take credit, the only aim was to stop further conflict and to save innocent lives. Pakistan has always believed that dialogue is better than war. We believe that winning peace is far more important than winning a war.”
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He underscored that “at such a critical time, Pakistan chose the path of peace. Pakistan made every possible effort to reduce tensions and to bring both sides to the negotiating table. I must highlight the remarkable role of our Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, his personal efforts, his strong relations with world leaders and his continuous engagement with all sides, which has played a key role in opening doors for dialogue.”
Naqvi underscored that the last few months had been difficult for the region, further noting that the conflict involving Iran and the US created serious risks not only for the Middle East but also for the entire world.
The interior minister said that he was personally involved in the peace efforts along with Field Marshal Munir during their visits to Tehran and meetings with senior Iranian officials, adding that he “saw how difficult these talks were”.
“There were moments when the situation was extremely tense, but we never gave up, and we continued talking, listening and working together to build trust. Peace is not achieved in one meeting; it requires patience, trust and continuous efforts,” he stated.
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Naqvi said that in April, Pakistan hosted the Islamabad talks, adding that in June, Pakistan and Qatar signed the Islamabad MoU, with the two countries sitting together as the mediating parties.
“Days later, at the Lake Lausanne summit, I saw something I will never forget. His Highness, the Prime Minister of Qatar and the Field Marshal worked for more than 16 hours plus without a single break, no cameras, no announcements, only two men who refused to let the talks fail, two countries, one purpose”.
Naqvi said he understood the price of terrorism and insecurity, adding that since terrorism was a common enemy, “we need stronger cooperation, better intelligence sharing and joint efforts to defeat it”.
