“I hope this (India accepting talks) is a strategic shift (in India’s position) and not a tactical move”, said former foreign secretary Lalit Mansingh, who recalled that India has held the position that dialogue with Pakistan to resolve all disputes including Kashmir can not go on alongside terrorism. Pakistan’s record of cross-border terrorism and infiltration is at the heart of the problems in the region today.
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He said the way people from these Pakistani regions “wished me well, gives me great joy”.
Jaishankar (left) and Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry.
He is now on an official visit of Geneva to represent Pakistan in global conference of Human Rights in which delegates of more than 30 countries participating, said a message received here.
“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 in terror activities in the province.
Meanwhile, commenting on if the PM’s statement on Balochistan constituted a policy shift, the MEA spokesperson said that Indian government had made statements on the situation in Baluchistan earlier as well.
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.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had written to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein to “end the persistent and egregious violation of the basic human rights of the Kashmiri people”.
The PPP leader said Mr Modi should first stand accountable to the global community for “unending and perpetual atrocities against Kashmiris, Muslims and Dalits in Kashmir and India”.
United Nations made this offer after Pakistan through letter requested UNHRC to send the mission to Indian held Kashmir to report on the gross violations of human rights since July 8, 2016.
Kashmir has been witnessing protest for last 40 days after death of Hizbul Mujahidin commander Burhan Wani on July 8.
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In his Independence Day speech on Monday, Modi had talked about the situation in PoK, Gilgit and Balochistan and said people from there have thanked him for raising their issues.
