ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that Pakistan and India can resolve their issues only through dialogue, Radio Pakistan reported.
In a meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad, Nawaz said that “the UN resolutions have primary importance in the resolution of Kashmir issue.”
The premier urged the United Nations to ensure implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir.
“The Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he asserted.
Nawaz also lauded US support for Dasu and Bhasha dam projects and said trade is Pakistan’s priority in relations with the US.
“Enhancing mutual trade with US is Pakistan's top priority in bilateral relationships.”
Further, Nawaz told the delegation that Pakistan has seen improvement in its economic indicators and asked for better market access for Pakistani products in the US.
Pakistan conveys concern over border clashes to US delegation
Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conveyed on Pakistan’s concern over the security situation at the Line of Control, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Aziz was meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King in Islamabad. A number of issues including Pakistan’s relations with the US, and the regional situation were discussed in the meeting.
Aziz once again asserted Pakistan’s approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood as border clashes, one of the worst since the two neighbours agreed to a landmark ceasefire deal in 2003, resumed once again following a lull after days of heavy firing and mortar shelling.
Earlier, Aziz said that officials from UNMOGIP, a UN observation team, were going to the disputed border to observe the ceasefire violations.
He also appealed to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday for assistance in solving the long-running dispute with India over the status of Kashmir, according to a press release.
“We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister had also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work for resolution of this issue through negotiations,” said Aziz, adding that India had adopted a policy that runs counter to its stated desire to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan.
Aziz also revived Pakistan’s demand for Kashmiris to be allowed to hold a plebiscite to decide the region’s future, as called for by a UN resolution adopted in 1948. India has long opposed a plebiscite.
Further, in the meeting the adviser also highlighted the steps taken by the government for economic revival and good governance.
“The senators appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in this regard,” the statement read.
The delegation and adviser agreed that the root cause of terrorism must also be addressed for a long-term solution of the problem.
COMMENTS (12)
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Bilawal ,mentality has no political value both in national and international lavels now . Better this bilatral issue should be solved through mutual understanding .
@Dipak In abroad both Indians and Pakistanis are friends....It can be possible here too
Dipak@Haider: That would take few centuries.
Bangladesh has also equal rights for Kashmir, Why Pakistan ignoring this,Bangladesh should get Half of it.
India is contributing 4 million dollars for Gaza rebuilding. How much is Pakistani contribution?
Look we in India would love if Pakistan is for peace. We have been the biggest victims of Pakistan misadventure with terrorism and a war mongering military on the Pakistaani side. Look at the terror camps you have in your country, look at the history of wars and the recent one at Kargil and you cannot fool anybody that Pakistani establishment used peace as the primary approach to it's relationship with neighbours. Let us see if the Pakistani establishment will walk the talk.
@ZAK: You might want to put some effort into making the strength equal. Lol!
@HumanBeing: @aisha:
I was just about to put in my comment, which would have been somewhat similar to what the Indian trolls might write. It contained a lot of common sense. Looking at what you respected contributors have written I thought it better to remain quiet.
BTW, I comment on many blogs all around the world. I just have too mush time on my hands and I suffer from insomnia. I have observed that only in Pakistan we are so sarcastic about what the Indians write, So much so that if we know it is a comment by an Indian, we assume he or she must be a troll. Others think they make sence.
I wonder why?
I will totally support PM stance on Kashmir. Escalation of tensions is not in interest of both countries.However if some one challenge Pakistan soverignity he must be responded with equal strength.
@aisha: I agree with you. The shelling is a temporary phase meant to distract Pakistan from her real problems. It might even be a distraction for the general Indian public (not the trolls vomiting their comments) from India's social and financial issues as well. Kind of like "we can't provide you basic toilet facilities but there you go... We just shelled Pakistan..."
I guess Pakistan Govt should pay attention to solve internal issues. ignore India if they are shelling they will keep getting it back.Pakistan internal issues are more imp then stubborn neighbor