ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that if India provides the Kashmiris their due right to self-determination, it will prove beneficial for India itself as well.
While addressing the Inaugural Session of the two-day Islamabad Security Dialogue organized by the National Security Division in Islamabad on Wednesday, the prime minister emphasized that the right of self-determination must be given to the Kashmiris as stated by the UN Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister said that India will now have to take the first step to improve bilateral relations with Pakistan after the former’s illegal and unilateral step of August 5, 2019.
Imran Khan said that economic connectivity and regional ties need to be strengthened for the prosperity of the South Asian region. He added that India needs to take a step towards peace and cooperation for the benefit of all.
The prime minister also reiterated that Pakistan is committed to doing everything it can to facilitate the Afghan peace process as the key to peace for this region lies in Afghanistan.
“We exist the center of the region and we must seek peace in this region,” he said.
Stressing the importance of non-traditional security such as climate change, food security, and the economy for the progress of any nation, the prime minister said that the initiative of targeted subsidies will be a unique initiative and a revolution for poverty eradication.
The prime minister held China up as an example to be admired regarding poverty alleviation. He highlighted the Ehsaas program in Pakistan as a venture focused on addressing and alleviating economic deprivation.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also mentioned to start train service between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
At the event, Prime Minister Imran Khan also launched the first of its kind Advisory Portal of the National Security Division.
The advisory portal will be a dedicated and integrated platform through which major think tanks and universities working on the subject of national security will be able to share policy recommendations directly with the national leadership.
The Islamabad Security Dialogue is aimed at unveiling Pakistan’s new strategic direction.
The new strategic direction unveiled at the Conference will be based on a comprehensive security framework in line with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of peace, regional connectivity and development partnerships with the world.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa will be the guest of honour on the second day of the Conference.
