Let's talk on Kashmir, new FM Khawaja Asif tells India

The only panacea to achieve peace between Pakistan and India is finding a solution to the Kashmir issue, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said on Sunday.

"We know how to secure our borders, however, lasting peace can only be attained through solving the Kashmir issue," he said while speaking to media in Sialkot, according to Express News.

The former defence minister said Pakistan's options become limited if India is not willing to meet us halfway. "We want to dissipate tensions with India but they are not willing to do the same," he added.

Pakistan, he added, wants friendly relations with Afghanistan as well but India must also play a part to make it a reality.



"Pakistan has been fighting the war on terror for a long time now and the threat has decreased now owing to the great sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army," he said.

Asif said peace between the two countries is intertwined with Kashmir dispute and in light of the UN agreement, the people of Kashmir want the right to vote for self determination.

"Our foreign policy will be in accordance with the wishes of the people, and in view of what is in the best interest of Pakistan," he said. "Both countries want the continuity of the Indus Waters Treaty, however, any violation would worsen relations even further."

He said Pakistan will help Kashmiris achieve their right to hold a referendum, which has also been recognised by the United Nations and the global community.