SRINAGAR: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has once again raked up the Kashmir issue, calling for resolution of the vexed dispute in order to move forward in economic and other ties with the crucial neighbor India.
During his country’s Independence Day address on Thursday Sharif said Kashmir dispute was the main cause of tension between India and Pakistan. He also sought a peaceful resolution to explore new ways to bolster bilateral ties between the two nations.
“We want peaceful resolution of Kashmir with our full sincerity so that by removing this main source of tension, Pakistan and India could find new ways for promoting their relations,” he said while addressing the Independence Day parade after midnight in Islamabad.
Sharif’s remarks come close on the heels of a spat between the two countries over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech accusing Pakistan of continuing to engage in a proxy war of terrorism against India. Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words, with New Delhi saying terrorism was a “core concern” in bilateral ties and its “tool kit” is not restricted in any manner to combat it effectively. Pakistan had dubbed Modi’s comments as “baseless rhetoric” and “unfortunate”.
India has also voiced serious concerns over ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the line of control in recent weeks.
In his address, Sharif said promotion of peaceful relations with neighbors is the cardinal principle of his foreign policy. “We are a peaceful country. We are striving for peace within the country and also want durable peace on our borders,” he said.
Sharif also called for durable and permanent peace in Afghanistan so that the entire region could touch heights of progress of development.
The three services chiefs, ministers, diplomats, senior officials and business leaders were present at the ceremony held in the Parliament premises.
Sharif has stated that he wants better ties with all neighbors and recently regretted not having good relations with India.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
