World must play role to defuse tension in Kashmir: PM

“The UN resolution allows the Kashmiri people to decide about their future. The people of occupied Kashmir are denied their right to self-determination and ruthlessly targeted. The world must play its role to defuse the situation as per the UN’s resolutions,” he said while talking to a delegation of Norway led by its Foreign Minister Borge Brende in Islamabad.

Nawaz Sharif further added that Pakistan strongly believed in peaceful negotiations to resolve the Kashmir issue with India.

He also said eliminating terrorism from Pakistan was the topmost priority of his government.

The prime minister said that the ongoing military operation “Zarb-e-Azb” had been a huge success in curtailing terrorism throughout the country. He said it has dismantled the terrorists’ networks, which have resorted to hit soft targets out of sheer frustration.

Nawaz Sharif said that after achieving a growth rate of 4.7 percent in GDP last year, Pakistan hoped to cross 5 percent growth in the GDP in coming months.

He said the government was focusing on all crucial sectors of economy including agriculture and industry. He said inflation was at record 40 years low in Pakistan, which was the result of our prudent economic policies.

“The government is working on fast-track basis to overcome the power shortages in Pakistan and will add up to 10,000 MW of electricity to our system by next year,” he said.

The prime minister said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor, executed with the assistance of the friendly country China, includes major infrastructure, energy and communication projects. He said the project was a practical manifestation of our time-tested friendship with China.

Appreciating the counter-terrorism strategy of Pakistani government, Borge Brende said that there was a sharp decline in terrorism related incidents in Pakistan. He said the security situation in Pakistan has improved a lot. He said Pakistan must play its role for a peaceful Afghanistan.

The PM said that peace in Afghanistan was in the interest of Pakistan and the region as well. “We will extend all possible support to the Afghan-led peace initiatives.”

Mr. Borge Brende said that Pakistan’s positive role in defusing the tension between Iran and Saudi was very welcoming and was duly appreciated the world over.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister conveyed the deepest condolences on behalf of Norwegian Prime Minister and the people of Norway over the tragic Quetta incident.