Islamabad ready for second round of talks between Afghan government and Taliban, Sartaj Aziz tells senators. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
For the first time, Pakistan may present evidence of Indian interference in the country at the annual session of United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“We have prepared a dossier on Indian interference … India accuses Pakistani non-state actors (of interfering) but here Indian state actors are interfering in Pakistan,” the Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the Senate on Thursday.
However, Aziz said that they had yet to decide on the time and place to present it.
While the Foreign Office spokesperson announced on Thursday that Nawaz Sharif was expected to address the UNGA on September 30, the adviser hinted that Nawaz may speak at select events.
During his visit to New York, the prime minister is expected to co-host a UN Peacekeeping Summit along with some other leaders since Pakistan is one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. Nawaz is also expected to attend a roundtable on South-South Cooperation.
Asked about a potential meeting with Indian premier Naerandra Modi on the sidelines of UNGA, the advisor reiterated that Pakistan “will not take any initiative.”
“India, which cancelled the national security advisor-level talks, would have to take the initiative,” Aziz said, adding that talks will focus on all outstanding issues including Kashmir and how the Shimla Agreement had failed to achieve any progress.
Asked about the resumption of cross-border attacks by India just a week after meetings between Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Force, Aziz said India uses the pretext of fenced and heavily monitored border being breached by militants for the shelling. In this regard, Pakistan’s representative at the UN will ask the UNSC to take notice of these violations
He added that this year’s UNGA was special since the world body was celebrating its 70th anniversary with around 150 heads of state or government expected to participate.
In addition to talking about India and Kashmir, Aziz said Pakistan will present its case on converting Sustainable Development Goals into national goals.
Ties with Afghanistan
Responding to a question on ties with Afghanistan, the advisor said that Pakistan had no ‘favorites’. Rather, it was carrying out an operation in Waziristan without any discrimination.
On the Afghan reconciliation process, Aziz said Pakistan could try for a second round of talks but could not guarantee it.
He dispelled notions that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan had suffered due to recent tensions.
Aziz also backed a suggestion by Senator Usman Kakar that foreign policy should be decided by the parliament.
Opposition stages walkout
The opposition, which had demanded the briefing on foreign affairs, staged a token walkout to protest its quality.
Leader of the Opposition Aitzaz Ahsan termed it as the “most disappointing briefing,” as he led the walkout.
Meanwhile, Chairman Raza Rabbani directed Auditor General to conduct special audit, in four months, about the funds received and spent after 2005 earthquake from local and international donors .Standing committee on Cabinet was asked to compile a detailed report on rehabilitation.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2015.
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