Irresponsible Indian statements threaten regional peace: Tasnim Aslam

Pakistan ready to work for regional peace and stability, Aslam says

Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary Tasnim Aslam said on Tuesday that irresponsible statements by Indian leaders threaten regional peace.



Aslam made the remarks while addressing a seminar in Islamabad. She said India had been developing nuclear submarines and resorting to unprovoked firing along the LoC and the working boundary, which left Pakistan with no option other than remaining ready to defend itself.

However, she added that Pakistan always followed a policy of minimum deterrence and was ready to work for regional peace and stability. “We are prepared to hold talks with India to resolve outstanding disputes,” she said.



The Foreign Affairs functionary emphasised that Pakistan's participation in Amritsar's Heart of Asia Conference was a manifestation of its commitment to Afghan peace and stability. She added that its decision to participate in the conference had also foiled an Indian attempt to hijack the process.

Earlier on Thursday, the Foreign Office said Pakistan wanted 'result-oriented, sustainable' dialogue with India and welcomed mediation by the international community on Kashmir.



“Dialogue should not be just for the sake of dialogue”, rather it should be sustainable and result-oriented, Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said at a weekly press briefing.