Peace in S. Asia rests on resolution of Kashmir issue: Foreign Minister

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday said the sustainable peace in South Asia was contingent upon the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In his address to the participants of the National Security & War Course here at the National Defence University, he said the onus remains on India to create a conducive environment for meaningful and result-oriented engagement with Pakistan. The foreign minister’s lecture on ‘Contours of Pakistan’s foreign policy and challenges’ was attended by the civil and military officers of the country besides the course participants from several friendly countries. Qureshi said following India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5th August 2019 under Prime Minister Imran Khan’s instructions, the government took up the Kashmir cause worldwide with renewed vigour and determination, and highlighted the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. He mentioned that the government also exposed the threat posed to international peace and security by Indian belligerence at all available forums. Despite provocations from India, he said, Pakistan opened up the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 giving Sikhs from India and all over the world, visa-free access to one of their holiest sites. “Our gesture is a manifestation of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for the region and for Pakistan-India relations, which consists of peaceful co-existence, inter-faith harmony, and peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said. The foreign minister said Pakistan lies at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China. Better connectivity is therefore essential to promoting the country’s economic interests and reinvigorating our cultural and historical ties. Terming China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship undertaking in regard to connectivity, he said Pakistan sees this framework as a game-changer not only for itself but for the region as well. Later talking to the media at the Parliament House, Qureshi said that the government’s electoral reforms are aimed at securing public interest. The government has taken its allies into confidence on the matter. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the government has no hidden agenda over the issue all they want is to ensure fair and transparent elections. The minister said we have also given enough time to opposition to think over the matter and suggest their amendments. He said all members of his party and allied parties are on same page for these reforms. He said that the government s electoral reforms are aimed at securing public interest. He said in this regard we have taken our allies into confidence. The minister said we have also given enough time to opposition to think over the matter and suggest their amendments. He said all members of his party and allied parties are on same page for these reforms.