Pakistan shows concerns over tensions in Korean Peninsula

Pakistan on Thursday showed concerns over the current tensions between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and South Korea and reiterated its longstanding call for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. "Pakistan shares the concern of international community on the recent tension and deteriorating situation in Korean Peninsula," the Foreign Ministry said. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary said that Pakistan always supports a nuclear-free Korea Peninsula. "We are monitoring the evolving situation in Korean Peninsula and will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our diplomats and staff there,"the spokesman told a weekly press briefing. The spokesman said Pakistan is not a part of any scoring game on its nuclear programme and Pakistan's programme is only for deterrence purposes. As for current status of Pakistan-U.S. relations, he said Pakistan has regular contacts with the United States at all levels and the relationship is being advanced on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefits. He hoped that the new elected leadership in Pakistan would take the process forward.