https://arab.news/wktjt
- Pakistan, India relations are frozen since New Delhi revoked Kashmir’s autonomy in Aug 2019
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says ‘we have learnt our lesson and we want to live in peace’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday requested United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to facilitate Islamabad’s talks with India over Kashmir and other outstanding issues.
The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir has been a flashpoint between Pakistan and India since their independence from the British rule in 1947.
Both countries rule parts of the territory, but claim it in full and have fought two of their four wars over the disputed region.
PM Sharif told Dubai-based Al-Arabiya News Channel that Pakistan wants to live in peace with India, provided “we are able to resolve our genuine problems.”
“I have requested yesterday my brother, His Highness President Mohamed bin Zayed... he also has good relations in India, he can play a very important role to bring the two countries on the talking table,” he said.
“And I give my word of honor that we will be talking to Indians with sincerity of purpose, but it takes two to tango.”
Pakistan and the UAE have close fraternal ties for five decades that are rooted firmly in common beliefs and shared values and culture. The UAE is also Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investment in the South Asian country.
This handout image provided by the UAE Presidential court on January 12, 2023 shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (R) posing for a picture with Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan (L), prior to their meeting, at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi. (AFP)
Relations between bitter rivals India and Pakistan hit a new low on August 5, 2019, after New Delhi revoked Kashmir’s special status, taking away the territory’s autonomy and dividing it into three federally administered territories.
The two nations were last engaged in a dialogue during the tenure of former premier Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of PM Sharif.
PM Sharif said it was up to both countries whether to live peacefully and progress, or quarrel with each other and waste time and resources.
“Pakistan has learnt its lesson. We had three wars with India, three. And the consequence of those wars as a result, it only brought more miseries, unemployment, poverty and millions were demoted from their level of satisfaction to a lower level of satisfaction,” he said.
“So, my message to the Indian leadership and Prime Minister Modi is let’s sit down on the table and have serious and sincere talks to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir.”
The prime minister said Pakistan was “more than ready,” if India was willing for talks to resolve bilateral issues.