Doha, October 19 (QNA) - HE Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mohsin Raza Naqvi affirmed that the State of Qatar plays an important role in diplomatic efforts to achieve peace, noting that Qatar has chosen to pursue dialogue while others have opted to side with particular parties.

Speaking at the eighth edition of the Global Security Forum, underway in Doha, he said the past few months had been extremely difficult for the region, adding that the conflict between Iran and the United States had created serious risks extending beyond the Middle East to the entire world.

He said Pakistan had chosen the path of peace under these circumstances and had made every possible effort to de-escalate tensions and bring both sides to the negotiating table.

He commended the various efforts undertaken in this regard, which had helped pave the way for dialogue.

His Excellency noted that Pakistan hosted the Islamabad talks in April and signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding in June.

Days later, he added, Qatar and Pakistan met as mediating parties during the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland.

HE the Pakistani Interior Minister said his country had always believed that dialogue was preferable to war.

He cited the mutual defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye in Makkah as a recent example of his country's commitment to regional security, stressing that the agreement was intended for defence, not war.

He emphasised that no country could enjoy lasting peace while its neighbours were experiencing conflict.

He added that he understands the heavy price of terrorism and insecurity, noting that Pakistan had suffered greatly, with thousands of its citizens, soldiers and police officers losing their lives.

He affirmed that his country continued to combat terrorism.

Naqvi added that Pakistan had contributed to international efforts for decades by deploying its soldiers and police personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions, expressing his country's pride in their service and sacrifices.

He said recent experiences had taught three important lessons: the doors of dialogue should remain open as long as it is possible to continue; trust is the most important key to any dialogue; and peace requires sincere efforts from all parties, as no single country can achieve regional peace on its own.

Concluding his remarks, HE the Pakistani Interior Minister said his country was proud of its role in recent peace efforts and would continue to support dialogue, peace and cooperation, emphasising that achieving peace was far more important than winning a war. (QNA)