FM Qureshi terms Indian attitude disappointing, against diplomatic norms

Qureshi to meet Pompeo in Washington on October 2

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi termed India's decision to withdraw from holding dialogue with Pakistan as disappointing and a violation of diplomatic norms, reported Express News.

"Agreeing to talks and then cancelling them is beyond comprehension, Indian attitude is disappointing and in violation with diplomatic norms." FM Qureshi stated.

The foreign minister also responded to hawkish statements from the Indian army and said that Pakistan retains the ability to respond to Indian aggression, however, the country's priority is to maintain better bilateral relations with its neighbours.

"We wanted dialogue with India to improve our bilateral relations."

Addressing journalists in the United States, the foreign minister said India is trying to divert public attention from its internal political issues.

"We can clearly see who has squandered this opportunity, who is talking about peace, and who is running away from it."

Referring to the human tragedy in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), Qureshi said a large portion of India's population is also criticising their government for its brutal repression of Kashmiris and the Indian policy has failed to deliver in the occupied valley.

"In Balochistan, we have solid proof of foreign intervention," Qureshi added.

Qureshi reached New York from Washington earlier and will represent Islamabad in the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. He will also meet foreign ministers from various countries.

The second meeting between Pompeo and Qureshi is also scheduled for  October 2. The high-level huddle with the US diplomat is one of the top agendas of Qureshi’s week-long visit to the US which is aimed at following up on the progress made in the former’s visit to Islamabad earlier.

FM Qureshi said the "US has always benefited from better relations with Pakistan," and added that the country presented a stance based on facts during Pompeo's visit. The foreign minister reiterated that the "US wants to make India a strategic partner in the region, however, Pakistan wants to maintain cordial relations with both China and the US."

Today, I had the privilege of interacting with many highly accomplished Pakistan Americans whose hearts still beat for their motherland. While they enrich American Society, they retain deep emotional ties with Pakistan. We are proud of them! pic.twitter.com/enO3BZJO9K

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 23, 2018

The foreign minister also elaborated on his recent trip to Saudi Arabia and said the trip was "successful" and added that he would again meet crown prince Muhammad Bin Salman again during the UNGA session in New York.



According to Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maliha Lodhi, FM Qureshi will highlight the new government’s policy on foreign engagements, including regional conflicts and the Kashmir issue during his address at the UNGA.

Qureshi is also expected to address the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) working group on Kashmir.