Reiterating the statement of the National Security Committee that ruled out any foreign conspiracy behind the change of government in Pakistan, the Foreign Office said all speculations in this regard should be put to rest, Radio Pakistan reported on Monday.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said this while responding to various questions during his news briefing in Islamabad on Monday.

He said two consecutive meetings of the NSC concluded that there was no foreign conspiracy and their conclusion was based on assessments from all stakeholders.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s core focus should be improving its relationships with its partners. “The United States is one of the key partners of Pakistan and both sides are keen to build on the long-standing relations and as well as further strengthen and diversify our ties,” he added.

Pakistan has the full capability to defend its interests as well as promote its stability and security, he said. He, however, called for avoiding irresponsible comments “as there is an element of trust and confidentiality, which is central to conducting effective diplomacy for a country and such episodes carry the potential of undermining our diplomacy and complicating our external relations”.

Replying to a question on Pak-Afghan relations, Asim Iftikhar said Pakistan and Afghanistan are brotherly countries and regard terrorism as a serious threat to peace and development.

He emphasized cooperation between the two countries to curb cross-border terrorism in an effective manner.

“Islamabad looks forward to continue close engagements with Kabul for long term peace and stability in Afghanistan and to create an environment conducive to regional stability, economic cooperation and connectivity.”