ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has called upon India to reciprocate to its policy of restraint‚ responsibility and dialogue for the larger interest of peace in the region and to enhance bilateral ties.
Speaking at his weekly news briefing in Islamabad today‚ Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said India should stop ceasefire violations and other provocations.
Voicing concerns over yesterday’s violation in Line of Control (LoC)‚ in which one army officer embraced martyrdom‚ the spokesperson said the foreign office summoned the Indian deputy high commissioner and registered Pakistan’s protest and concern over the incident.
He said Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be construed as its weakness and made it clear that the country’s people and institutions are capable to defend its territory and interests. He said our peace overtures are essentially in the interest of the region and the two countries.
When asked about the doubts surrounding the meeting between the prime ministers of two countries in New York‚ Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said the leadership of Pakistan is prepared to use that occasion to build confidence and remove the trust deficit. He said channels of communications should remain open as suspension of dialogue will serve the objectives of those who do not want peace.
When asked about Indian allegations that Pakistan is behind the killing of five Indian soldiers along the line of control‚ he said Pakistan is not involved in the incident and the same have been conveyed to the Indian authorities after investigation. He said Pakistan has been suffering from the menace of terrorism and it could not be held responsible for any terror act. He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has also offered to further strengthen the channels of communications to remove the existing trust deficit. He said Pakistan has adopted constructive and positive approach and hoped all the channels of communication will be optimally utilized for the purpose of peace.
To a question regarding the visit of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to Islamabad‚ the spokesperson said the Afghan president is expected to visit Pakistan in the last week of this month. Both the sides are currently working on the exact date. He said both Pakistan and Afghanistan enjoy important relations not only in political and economic spheres but also historical and cultural areas. The visit of Afghan president will provide an opportunity to hold discussion on further strengthening of bilateral relations. Emphasis of talks will be on the Afghan reconciliation process. He said Pakistan has always offered support and assistance in advancing the Afghan reconciliation process.
About Syria situation‚ the foreign office spokesperson said Pakistan is concerned over the situation there and has called for the country’s territorial integrity. He said Pakistan will continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Syria and its mission there is fully functional.
