Indian violation could affect Afghan peace talks: Qureshi tells Pompeo

Apprises US counterpart about Indian violation and sentiments of the Pakistani people

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the Indian misadventure of violating Pakistani airspace could affect the ongoing Afghan peace process.

The foreign minister made the remarks during a telephonic conversation with the US secretary of state on Tuesday.

He apprised his US counterpart about the Indian violation and the sentiments of the Pakistani government, Parliament and the people.

Qureshi maintained that the New Delhi was sabotaging regional peace in the backdrop of upcoming general elections to gain political benefits.



He said that Pakistan wished to maintain peace and stability in the region but not at the cost of its sovereignty.

The foreign minister said that Pakistan had informed the international community about India’s ill intentions, and exercised restraint despite the latter’s belligerent and hostile behaviour.

Both the Pakistan Army and the government have rubbished Indian claims of the attack on Pakistani soil, which New Delhi said had resulted in “heavy casualties”.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad for peace in Afghanistan met on Monday senior Taliban leader Mullah Baradar in Qatar as the two sides resumed talks to end 17 years of war despite the insurgents’ continued refusal to deal with the Kabul government.