ISLAMABAD – Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry expressed on Friday that the government and military were willing to hold talks with India for regional peace, however, there were no positive indications from the other side.
In an interview to BBC Urdu, the federal minister said that the Prime Minister Imran Khan had dropped many hints to New Delhi in this regard and even spoke to Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.
‘Imran invited Indian cricketers and in his first speech, the prime minister said that we will take two steps forward in response to one step from New Delhi,’ recalled the minister.
The federal minister highlighted the difference between the former and incumbent regime, saying all of our institutions were on the same page.
Like Nawaz Sharif, our current foreign policy is the country’s diplomatic stance and not that of Imran Khan only, he added.
The lawmaker clarified that the military was in agreement with the government’s decision to approach India to cement ties and hold talks.
“Both Imran Khan and General Qamar Javed Bajwa believe that a country alone cannot progress and we will be left behind in the race of development if regional peace is not ensured,” said the minister.
Kartar Singh Border
The information minister confirmed that Pakistan will soon open the Kartar Singh border for Sikh pilgrims to allow them to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur without a visa.
Darbar Sahib is revered by Sikhs as it is believed that Babu GuruNanak breathed his last at the same place and as per Chaudhry’s comments, a system is being devised to open it for Sikh visitors.
Pompeo’s Visit
Speaking about the visit of a top US delegation, Chaudhry said meetings with the US dignitaries including Secretary of State and Military Chief were held in a positive environment.
“The prime minister himself said that the environment of meetings was opposite of what was expected,” he said.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/us-respects-sacrifices-rendered-by-pakistan-in-war-against-terror-says-pentagon-official/
The legislator opined that the interaction with the US delegation was open and straightforward.
Afghanistan-Pakistan Ties
Fawad Chaudhry also expressed that Imran Khan understands Afghanistan and Pashtun culture much better than others and his popularity can prove beneficial to solve the Afghan issue.
Prime Minister Imran believes that a political, not military solution is necessary for the Afghan issue. The US has also developed a similar viewpoint which will play a positive part in the matter, said Chaudhry.
