LoC, Samjhota Express among other issues discussed with Jaishankar: Aizaz

Nawaz Sharif says both countries need to resolve their all outstanding issues through dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary has said that all issues, including India’s alleged involvement in Balochistan and Fata, the investigation of Samjhota Express incident and ceasefire violations across the LoC, were discussed with his Indian counterpart Subramanyam Jaishankar in Islamabad on Tuesday, Express News reported.

While briefing the media after their meeting, Chaudhary said both sides expressed their concerns, and will reflect on their discussions before deciding on a future course of action soon. However, he did not specify a time period for resumption of formal talks between the two countries.

“We would like to move as and when both the sides are ready…by remaining in contact we could determine when and how the next steps are to be taken.”

He said both the countries reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate terrorism, and that they should work towards promotion of greater people-to-people contact and eradication of terrorism.

“I conveyed that Pakistan attached great importance to Saarc,” he said, adding that, “It is an important vehicle to increase regional cooperation.”

Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Special Assistant to Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.



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Chaudhary added that Jaishankar had also handed over a letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nawaz during their meeting. When asked about the contents of the letter, the foreign secretary said, “Letter was handed over this evening only. I am not in a position to share the contents, and have yet to read it properly.”

Responding to a question about any specific evidence shared in the meeting regarding India's alleged involvement in Pakistan, he said, it was not the time to get into details.

"It was decided to reflect on these issues, and then determine on how to proceed further."

On a question if Kashmiri leaders were taken into confidence over the meeting with Indian foreign secretary, he said “we do meet Kashmiri leaders, regularly.”

Chaudhary added that Pakistan was firmly committed to the 2003 ceasefire in Kashmir and believes existing mechanisms should be optimally used to see that the truce is observed.

Nawaz wants peace along LoC

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday met Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar and said that both countries need to start a new chapter in their relationship by working towards resolving their all outstanding issues through dialogue.

He said it is important to establish good neighbourly and cooperative relations between India and Pakistan, which is consistent with his vision of a peaceful neighbourhood in South Asia.



PHOTO: PID

Nawaz stressed on peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control, adding that he was deeply disturbed by recent incidents of firing on the Working Boundary. He added that the existing military to military mechanisms must be used optimally to check ceasefire violations.

He called on both sides to address outstanding issues by approaching each other with sincerity and as good neighbours.

The premier was confident that Tuesday’s talks between the two foreign secretaries will result in charting the way forward in their bilateral relations.

Nawaz further said that Pakistan will host the next SAARC Summit in 2016, which will provide an avenue to all South Asian countries to develop the potential of regional cooperation by working together.

The premier said South Asian region has suffered enormously due to tensions and unresolved disputes, despite being blessed with enormous resources. He added that the people deserved to live in peace and reap the benefits of economic development.

Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s regards and handed over his letter to Nawaz.