US-Iran tensions: Pak says closely observing situation in region

Voicing concern over the rising tensions between the US and Iran, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said that his country was closely observing the situation and will formulate a strategy keeping in view the national interest.

Speaking with reporters after attending a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Qureshi said Pakistan was concerned over the US-Iran tensions but it will not join any camp.

"This is a very sensitive issue. We are closely monitoring the situation. As situation evolves, we are trying to develop a strategy that does not hurt our interests and this region does not get destabilised," he said.

He also said that Pakistan would contact Iran on the issue of building a gas pipeline which is not possible due to sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Separately, Qureshi told the National Assembly panel that the US had not imposed any visa restrictions on Pakistan.

He also briefed that panel about peace efforts in Afghanistan and the issue of fake marriages by Chinese in Pakistan.

Qureshi also said that he would travel to Kuwait this week on a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with the Kuwaiti leadership on bilateral and regional issues.

He said the Qatari Emir is also expected to visit Pakistan in near future.