Pakistan offers India conditional talks on occupied Kashmir

FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi says any war between Pakistan and India is not an option to resolve the dispute

Islamabad once again offered conditional talks to New Delhi in regards to occupied Kashmir if the Narendra Modi-led government lifts the curfew, release arrested leaders and cease human rights violations in the occupied valley.

The offer comes after India revoked the occupied valley's autonomy earlier in August.

Speaking to BBC Urdu, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi hinted that Islamabad had no issue with the resumption of bilateral talks with New Delhi while third-party mediation would also be welcomed in this regard.

Illegal annexation of occupied Kashmir part of policy to target Muslims: PM Imran

“Pakistan has never refused to negotiate but the right environment for talks is not clear from the Indian side.”

“In an atmosphere where there is a curfew, people are facing a state of life and death, gang rapes are being reported, people are being sent to prisons, I do not see any likelihood of negotiations," said the foreign minister while referring to occupied Kashmir.

“There are three parties involved in the [Kashmir] dispute: Pakistan, India and Kashmir. I believe, if India is serious about it, it must release the Kashmiri leadership and allow me to meet them and do consultations. I will have to weigh their emotions as Pakistan cannot sit on the negotiation table by disrespecting their sentiments and crushing Kashmiris feelings,” maintained Qureshi.

‘War no option’

Foreign Minister Qureshi also made it clear that Pakistan had no intention of war with its arch-rival India. He insisted that Pakistan never adopted an aggressive policy towards its neighbour, rather always preferred peace.

He said the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its first year in the government made several offers of dialogue to India for resolving the Kashmir dispute as the two nuclear-armed neighbours could not afford to risk war.

“War will bring destruction for people and the world. Therefore, war is no option.”



Qureshi, however, reiterated if a war was imposed on Pakistan, as it was imposed on February 26, then Pakistan’s armed forces were ready and so was the nation.

“In response to the Indian aggression on February 26, Pakistan acted befittingly on February 27. Two Indian planes were downed and an Indian pilot was arrested. Pakistan also successfully tested Ghaznavi missile. So, the nation is prepared,” FM Qureshi insisted.

Qureshi assures minorities in Umerkot

FM Qureshi, while speaking to the citizens of Umerkot, expressed his support for the Hindu and Sikh minorities living in Pakistan.

"I am here to tell all the Hindus and Sikhs of Pakistan that I am here for you. I will make sure your girls go to school and your boys are treated fairly. I will make sure your temples are never abandoned. I will make sure your rights are fulfilled,” he said.

The foreign minister stated that this isn’t the "Hindustan of Gandhi, it is the Hindustan of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)".

He further noted two key dates in the coming month to show solidarity with the people of Kashmir.

On September 3, the people of London will gather at Hyde Park and rally to the Indian consulate and on September 27, “Imran Khan will fight for the rights of Kashmiris and Muslims all over the world,” he added.