Ready to discuss CPEC with India: FO

Spokesperson adds chances for discussion are bleak as New Delhi is unwilling to reopen broader dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday indicated it could talk to India directly on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) but the prospects for such parleys are bleak, given New Delhi’s unwillingness to resume dialogue on all outstanding issues.

“Pakistan continues to hold the position that only through uninterrupted, uninterruptible, and meaningful and result-oriented dialogue will all outstanding disputes with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, be resolved,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.

“At the moment, India is not willing to hold any dialogue, therefore, I don’t see any prospects of what you have mentioned,” Mohammad Faisal said when asked to comment on the possibility of Pakistan holding direct talks with India on CPEC.

Recently, a senior Chinese official told visiting Pakistani journalists in Beijing that the country was trying to convince India to join the multibillion-dollar project.



India has publicly opposed the project under the pretext that it is passing through the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. Both Pakistan and China dismissed New Delhi’s claim and insisted that the project would not only benefit the two countries but the entire region.

Pakistan has also expressed concern that India, through its intelligence agencies, is trying to undermine the project.

Indian missile test

The spokesperson said India had not given any advance notification of its recent cruise missile test.

He then explained that India was not required to as the bilateral agreement on pre-notification of missile tests only covers ballistic missiles and not cruise missiles.

Nevertheless, the spokesperson voiced Pakistan’s concerns, saying developments like these endanger the strategic stability in South Asia.

“This underscores the need for Pakistan and India to engage in meaningful discussions on further measures for confidence-building, avoidance of arms race and promotion of strategic stability in South Asia, among other issues.”



“Pakistan stands ready for such talks with India. Our proposal for a strategic restraint regime for South Asia is still on the table.”

Faisal said the international community should also take note of the reports that India had been exercising “strategic restraint” on its missile development prior to getting Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) membership.

“This speaks of the Indian duplicity in paying lip service to the objective of non-proliferation, while secretly pursuing a conventional and strategic arms buildup. Massively increased Indian defence budget and intensified buildup of arms by the Indian Army is spurring an arms race in the region, which is counter-productive.”

Anti-Pakistan propaganda

The spokesperson said Pakistan appreciates the prompt steps taken by UK Government on the display of anti-Pakistan propaganda on London Cabs, which are a violation of the UN Charter.

“Pakistan also believes that it will also take action against the display of anti-Pakistan slogans which are now affixed to London buses. Our High Commission in London has already taken this up with the [British] Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the relevant authorities.”