Principled stance: Aziz reiterates support to Kashmir cause

Says unprovoked firing at LoC reflects India’s desire to create space for war


Rizwan Shehzad January 22, 2015
Says unprovoked firing at LoC reflects India’s desire to create space for war. PHOTO: REUTERS

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs and National Security Sartaj Aziz has made it clear that Pakistan will continue its support for Kashmir cause and will build relations with India on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality.

“Pakistan shall not abandon its political, diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmir cause at any cost,” the adviser said, while speaking at the concluding session of a two-day conference organised by Jinnah Institute.



He also warned that any unilateral efforts by India to alter the status of Kashmir will further compound the already complicated situation.

“Unprovoked and indiscriminate firing and shelling from across the Line of Control and Working Boundary, with Indian leadership threatening disproportionate use of force, portend India’s dangerous desire to create a space for war,” he said.

Aziz said India’s decision to abandon the path of dialogue with Pakistan and adoption of a hostile posture, bilaterally and regionally, has created a new level of uncertainty.

“The cancellation of foreign secretary-level talks by India on the pretext of Pakistan high commissioner’s meeting with Kashmiri leaders was found unconvincing worldwide,” he added.

“The international community recognises that Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts must be strengthened, and not impeded,” he said, “but India has other ideas.”

Consistent with the perspective of cooperation, Pakistan is committed to building cooperative and good-neighbourly relations with India, but on the basis of mutual respect and sovereign equality, he said.

Aziz said the prospect of enhanced economic cooperation has been a victim of the prevailing tensions.

“We will not get drawn into any arms race, but will ensure maintenance of a credible deterrent capability,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2015.

COMMENTS (9)

Bahadurkhan | 9 years ago | Reply

The power crisis, oil crisis has one solution. But punjabi ego prevents it from implementation. Transmission lines from j@k can supply power to Pok. Bhatinda refinery of indian oil can supply required diesel, petrol, furnace oil, . It is 100 km from Wagah. Payment can be done on delayed terms. 500 Mw can be supplied from northern grid to punjab. India is not asking for permanent contract. At least for time being. If economy is good, goonda gangs will reduce, those wanting to create nuisance in India. Finally it is the punjabi ego.

vinsin | 9 years ago | Reply

Difficult to understand. Pakistan fought kargil, 1965 war without any logic. After support of terrorism and wars Pakistan PM says he wants plebiscite now based on UN resolution. In UN Pakistan says it doesn't want plebiscite and refuse to move army allowing Plebiscite. Army doesn't want to give Kashmir and said it is jugular vein. Pakistan has the ball of the Kashmir issue, either allow plebiscite or fight to make LOC as international border. Looks like both the countries will be under pressure to resolve the Kashmir Issue very soon.

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