ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called upon India to sit on negotiating table with Pakistan for the sake of regional peace when a new government takes office in New Delhi after the general election.
Speaking on the Pakistan Television, the Foreign Minister said war always brought destruction and it could not be considered as an option, particularly when both the countries are nuclear powers.
Qureshi regretted that Kashmir is burning as India is trying to suppress the voice of Kashmiris through military presence and its black laws.
He, however, said the voice of Kashmiris cannot be suppressed in this modern era of electronic media and internet.
The minister noted that the Europe Commission and the United Nations had categorically stated that Kashmiris were fighting for their right to self-determination.
He said Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav had confessed that he was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan. “India wanted his release but he would be tried according to Pakistan’s laws.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has arrived in Bishkek to attend two-day meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries in Bishkek.
Pakistani Ambassador and senior officials of Kyrgyzstan received the Foreign Minister at the airport.
The meeting, beginning today, will approve important documents, which will later be adopted by the Council of Heads of States meeting, to be held in Bishkek next month.
The Foreign Minister will deliver his remarks at the Plenary Session of the meeting.
Earlier, talking to media prior to leaving for Bishkek, the Foreign Minister said he will have opportunity to exchange views with foreign ministers of eight countries, who will be attending the meeting.
Besides, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said he will hold bilateral meetings with three dignitaries, including the foreign ministers of China and Russia.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is concerned over the regional situation evolving in the context of Iran.
He said he will discuss the Iran issue with the foreign ministers of the two member countries of P-5 to get their input on the issue.
He expressed concern over the changing regional situation. He said he wants to meet especially with foreign ministers of China and Russia.
“I also want to hold consultations with five permanent members of the SCO,” he said.
After return from the visit a special meeting on the changing situation of the region will be held here to review the situation, he said.
“We will give our clear point of view to the foreign minister of Iran after review of the situation,” Qureshi added. – NNI