Pakistan welcomes mediation to resolve Kashmir issue with India: FO
- By Web Desk -
- Jan 26, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office on Thursday said that Pakistan has always welcomed anyone who wants to play role for mediation to resolve the dispute of Kashmir and other issues between Pakistan and India.
Spokesman Nafees Zakaria during the weekly briefing said that Kashmir is the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India which is a matter of concern to the world community.
He expressed concern at the worsening situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir which witnessed a complete shutter down strike and observed the Indian Republic Day as ‘Black Day’.
He said that the killing, arbitrary arrests and fake encounters of Kashmiris continue unabated and their fundamental rights are being denied constantly. He called on the international community to hold India accountable for their crimes against humanity.
Replying a question, Zakaria said Indian RAW agent Kulbushan Yadav has given considerable information during investigation regarding India’s involvement in subversive activities in Pakistan.
Trump Administration
The spokesman further said that Pakistan has longstanding relationship with United States and is looking forward to work with the new administration of President Donald Trump.
He said Pakistan and US have strategic dialogue mechanism covering diverse areas including economic, security, defence, education, scientific research and cooperation in other areas. He hoped that relations between the two countries will be strengthened further in the coming years.
To a question regarding President Trump’s statement about terrorism, he said terrorism has no religion, caste, creed or colour, and is a global phenomenon and global cooperation is required to deal with this menace.
Peace in Afghanistan
Zakaria also emphasised that politically negotiated settlement is more viable solution for Afghanistan. He said Pakistan has played its role for peace and stability in Afghanistan and will continue to do so.
He said no result has come out of fifteen years military action in Afghanistan, and blame game is not in the interest of any one and all parties should engage each other for talks.
To a question, the spokesman said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has instructed that Afghan refugees would not be repatriated forcefully, and their return will be voluntary in dignified manner.
He said the government has developed a plan for their smooth repatriation and the date for voluntary return of Afghan refugees has been extended to 31st December of this year.