PM disappointed at India's response, says one-sided efforts can't bear fruit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday expressed disappointment at India’s “negative” response to Pakistan’s peace overtures, saying one-sided efforts to normalise ties between the two neighbouring countries will not yield results.

Interacting with Indian journalists in the federal capital, the premier said India needs to respond to Pakistan’s gestures for peace in order to move ahead to address the longstanding disputes souring bilateral ties.

He reiterated that both the countries should break free from the shackles of the past, saying: “We cannot move forward if we continue to live in the past instead of leaving it behind and learning from it.”

“Our conflicts are impediment to development of the region,” said the premier while responding to a question put to him by a journalist.

“There is no people-to-people animosity, but the governments in both countries have issues,” he said and added Pakistan is making efforts to improve ties but unfortunately India is not reciprocating its peace gestures.

Mr Khan recalled that it was India that cancelled a meeting between foreign ministers of both the countries on the sidelines of the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) this year.

The prime minister said he approached India in his initial days in office seeking resumption of talks and said Islamabad will take two steps if New Delhi takes one to improve ties.

He, however, regretted that the Indian response has so far been disappointing.

The premier said he felt India’s lack of response to Pakistan’s peace efforts seemed to be governed by upcoming elections in the neighboring country.

He reiterated there is complete consensus in Pakistan for developing better relations with India. Dialogue is the only option for Pakistan and India to move forward on the path of peace, he stressed.

He said there should be no pre-conditions for dialogue as it will mean there is no intention for peace.

The premier pointed out that Kashmir is the only core issue between the two countries as the solution of this problem is possible provided the leadership of both the countries show intent in this regard.

He said the resolution of Kashmir dispute will benefit the whole sub-continent as it open the region for trade and economic activities.