Daily Times

BAKU: Despite appalling atrocities by Indian forces against the people of Kashmir and repeated ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary, Pakistan on Saturday extended yet another civilised offer of talks on the disputed territory to the “largest democracy of the world”. “India has always avoided… talks on Jammu and Kashmir.

However, if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is serious for talks and he keeps Jammu and Kashmir issue included in the dialogue then we are also ready for talks,” said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif during an informal chat with journalists in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The premier said that Pakistan – being a peace-loving country – was committed to peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, and added that incidents like Uri were an indigenous reaction to Indian forces’ atrocities in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK).

Regretting baseless allegations over the Uri incident, the PM said that New Delhi levelled allegations against Pakistan within six hours of the attack without even holding any enquiry.

He said that Pakistan had time and again offered to hold a dialogue on outstanding issues, but India did not reciprocate. “India must show seriousness for its (Kashmir dispute’s) resolution and honour its commitment, under the United Nations Security Council resolutions.” Saying that war was not a solution to any issue, he asked India to opt for a serious approach to resolve all issues.

“India had deliberately escalated tension on the Line of Control to divert the world’s attention from the Kashmir issue,” he said, adding that the implementation of UN’s resolutions should not be selective.

To a query, the premier said that his government had introduced a new culture of political tolerance in the country, as they respected mandate of every party. He also vowed to make Pakistan move forward on the path of progress and prosperity despite “certain elements’ plans to shut the country”.

“Our objective is to run Pakistan. But certain elements want to lock it down… We are working for the development of Pakistan. Imran Khan wants to keep Islamabad shut but we want to keep it open. Islamabad would not be locked down. It will stay open,” he said.

To another question, he said that the energy crisis would be reined in by 2018.

About 10,000 megawatts of power would be added to the national grid by end of the government’s term in 2018, bringing the cost of electricity further down, besides helping overcome power shortage, he said.

Nawaz said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed on a fast-track basis, which would bring about development in the country, as a number of energy, infrastructure and power projects were being completed throughout its length and breadth. “We are only thinking about Pakistan, and within few years the countrymen will witness a rapid progress and development owing to the policies of this government,” he added.

Premier Nawaz also appreciated Azerbaijan’s continued support to Pakistan on Kashmir issue. The mutual support of both the countries for each other on the issues of Nagorono Karabakh and Kashmir was a testimony to our strong relations, he maintained.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with Speaker of Milli Mejlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) Ogtay Asadov at the parliament along with his delegation, the prime minister said the leadership level contacts between the two countries would give impetus to bilateral economic, defence and cooperation in diverse fields.

He that Pakistan and Azerbaijan would work together at bilateral and multilateral levels to achieve their shared goals.

During the meeting, the speaker said that Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoyed fraternal relations based on shared history and culture. “Your visit will immensely enhance the bilateral relations between our two countries. I am confident that your meetings with the president and prime minister of Azerbaijan were fruitful. Pakistan’s most valued support to Azerbaijan on issues of our national interest is held in the greatest esteem,” the speaker remarked.