“Since aspects related to cross-border terrorism are central to the current situation in J&K, we have proposed that discussions between the foreign secretaries be focused on them”, stated an Indian government source according to Indian media.
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India’s Foreign Secretary Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed his willingness to travel to Islamabad after the invitation from his Pakistan counterpart, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry. “In a letter dated August 16, foreign secretary has first of all underlined that Pakistan’s self-serving allegations made in their communication are rejected in their entirety by the Government of India”.
The response was handed over to Pakistan by Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale today (Wednesday).
However, the mention of this restive region in Southwestern Pakistan was made after the Prime Minister’s office received information of human rights excesses from Balochs across the world, sources said.
“He said that his visit should provide the opportunity to receive a briefing from Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary on progress in this regard”, Swarup said.
“Modi should first stand accountable to the worldwide community for unending and perpetual atrocities against Kashmiris Muslims and Dalits in Held Kashmir and India”.
In a statement, Bilawal said Balochistan is an integral part of a democratic Pakistan and Modi has no right to speak on Pakistan’s internal issues.
“I deeply regret that our requests for access have not been granted”, said the High Commissioner who has sought access for a team to visit both Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to independently and thoroughly look into allegations of human rights violations.
Jaishankar’s acceptance of the invite comes as Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Tuesday commented that going to Pakistan was akin to “going to hell”. Pakistan, responding to PM Modi’s address, has termed it as a “red line”.
As the biggest country of the region, he said, India has to go the extra mile to reach out to its neighbours and make them feel secure.
This latest incident coincided with the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi given on India’s 69th Independence Day in the capital’s Red Fort.
He said while all Saarc nations agree on moving forward over various issues for regional development but Pakistan’s support to terrorism has made the country a hard regional partner.
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“The Kashmiris are agitating for their right to self-determination in accordance with United Nations resolutions, whereas in Balochistan there is only a small group working on the behest of the enemy country”, Zehri said, referring to suspected Indian involvement.
