PM Imran writes to Modi, seeks resumption of dialogue

Prime minister also expressed hope for a Qureshi-Swaraj meeting on the sidelines of UNGA

Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for the resumption of talks with India in a letter to Indian premier Narendra Modi, Express News reported.

The Foreign Office (FO) said the premier has responded to Modi in a "positive manner" and urged the Indian government to talk and resolve all issues.

"We await formal response from India."

PM has responded to PM Modi, in a positive spirit, reciprocating his sentiments. Let’s talk and resolve all issues. We await formal reaponse from India.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) September 20, 2018

The Indian prime minister had earlier written to Imran congratulating him on assuming office. In response, the prime minister penned a letter to his Indian counterpart and expressed his desire to renew dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.



PM Imran expressed hope in the letter that the foreign ministers of both countries meet on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session.

The UNGA is to be held in New York later this month.

Times of India reported that the prime minister asked for a renewal of the comprehensive bilateral dialogue process which was launched in 2015. It was in December of the same year that Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Islamabad for the Heart of Asia conference.

Referring to the long-standing dispute of Kashmir – large parts of which are under Indian occupation – the premier hoped that dialogue between the two countries will also focus on the issue.

On August 31, PM Imran said his government wanted to develop good relations with the neighbouring country.



In July, Modi telephoned PM Imran. According to a statement issued by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) media cell, Modi congratulated Imran on his election victory. According to the statement, the most significant aspect of the conversation was Modi’s unambiguous willingness to improve his country’s ties with Pakistan.

“India desires progressive relations with Pakistan”, the Indian PM was quoted as saying. Both countries, Modi said, should evolve a joint strategy to develop and strengthen better ties.