Pakistan wants peace with all its neighbours, including India: PM Shahbaz at UN
Pakistan wants peace with all its neighbours, including India, but lasting peace and stability in South Asia depends on a just and lasting solution to the Kashmir dispute, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said here on Friday.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Shahbaz claimed that India’s” illegal and unilateral” conduct on August 5, 2019, to change the special status of Jammu and Kashmir further adulterate the prospects for peace and regional tensions.
“Pakistan needs a stable external environment. We want peace with all our neighbours, including India. Lasting peace and stability in South Asia, still, depends on a just and endless agreement of the Jammu and Kashmir disagreement,” he said.
“I think it is high time that India understands loud and clear the message that both the countries are armed to the teeth. War is not an option. It is not an option. Only peaceful dialogue can resolve these issues. May the world be more peaceful in the times to come.”
India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and always will be” and will remain an integral part of the country. India has said that it wants normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free from terror, hostility and violence.
Relations between India and Pakistan ended after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution.
There was a strong reaction from Pakistan to India’s decision, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy.
Shahbaz said New Delhi has increased its military deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, making it the “most militarized region in the world”.
He said that the Pakistani people have always stood with the Kashmiris in complete solidarity and will continue to do so.
“I assured the world forum that we in Pakistan stand by our commitment to peace in South Asia. India must take appropriate steps to create an enabling environment for creative engagement,” he said.
“We are neighbours and we are forever. The choice is ours. Whether we live in peace or fight amongst ourselves. Since 1947, we have fought three wars. And the result has only increased poverty, poverty and unemployment on both sides.
Shahbaz said both India and Pakistan should not waste their resources in trying to buy more ammunition and fuel tensions.
He said, “Now it’s over to us to resolve our differences, our problems or issues like our peaceful neighbours through peaceful dialogue and discussion and save our scarce coffers to promote education and health and employment to millions of people.”
