ISLAMABAD: The Indian Foreign Office recently responded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks about holding talks with neighboring countries, stating that India also desires good, neighborly relations with Pakistan. However, India emphasizes that such relations should be free from any fear of violence. It should be developed in a peaceful environment.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with neighboring countries for nation-building. Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of addressing serious issues through peaceful and meaningful dialogue to foster a significant relationship between the two nations.
In response to Pakistan’s offer of talks, some countries, including the United States, have appreciated the gesture. They expressed support for direct dialogue between Pakistan and India.
The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and India have been limited for several years. Both countries only have charge d’affaires serving in their high commissions. The relationship between the two countries was further strained after the Mumbai attacks in 2008. Additionally, in August 2019, India’s revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir led to the termination of trade relations between both countries and resulted in the reciprocal expulsion of high commissioners.
India’s hostile actions in Kashmir pose a serious threat to regional peace: ISPR
The ISPR released a statement on Saturday condemning India’s revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. It eliminated the special status of the occupied valley. The move was widely condemned by Kashmiris. It triggered a military siege and loss of autonomy, leading to an international outcry.
The ISPR expressed solidarity with the people of IIOJK in their just struggle for the right to self-determination. The military’s media wing highlighted the inhumane military lockdown and illegal measures to change the demographic structure of the occupied territory. It also focused on gross violations of human rights as clear breaches of international law.
