WASHINGTON: Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is ready to collaborate with India to end the menace of terrorism and to work jointly for peace and stability of the region.
Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Dar said: “Pakistan is ready for talks with India, talks with India should be meaningful. Pakistan is waiting for talks with India in a neutral venue.”
Ishaq Dar mentioned that Pakistan has always fought against terrorism and banned Lashkar-e-Taiba several years while India is diverting the world’s attention by making propaganda through fake media.
Ishaq Dar stressed the need for mutual relations with respect and focusing on the promotion of trade activities between the two countries.
Dar said, “The international landscape is changing significantly.” Talking about the global economy, Dar said: “The global economy remains under pressure.” He said, “Terrorism continues to be a serious threat. Pakistan is actively engaged in the war on terror.”
Dar said Pakistan’s acquisition of arms from China does not reflect any intention to damage relations with the US. He said Pakistan does not view its relations with any one country through the eyes of another. He said a trade agreement between Pakistan and the US is expected to be signed in a few days.
Dar criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s 126-day sit-in in 2014, which, he said, had damaged the national economy. He said the law would take its course regarding the May 9 incidents, saying popularity does not justify taking up arms or ignoring the legal process. He said that when someone takes up arms, even a peacemaker like me cannot help.
He clarified that the current government has no role in the legal cases against the PTI founder, stressing that all such cases are in the courts. He referred to Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s long imprisonment in the US, saying He has been in custody under US law for decades.
Dar added that Pakistan does not interfere in the affairs of other states, nor will it allow others to interfere in its affairs. He reiterated that Pakistan does not want conflict with its neighbours. Commenting on international developments, he said that Russia’s decision to recognise the Afghan government was its prerogative.
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