Islamabad, Pakistan (CU)_ According to the latest statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with India and a solution to the Kashmir problem. Hence, he asked the international community to play its part in achieving these goals. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Mr. Sharif voiced his views when he met with Neil Hawkes, the newly-appointed Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan.
According to the statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India, based on the principles of equity, justice, and mutual respect. In this context, a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people, was indispensable.” The PMO added, “The international community has to play a facilitative role in this regard, as it was essential for durable peace and stability in South Asia”.
Mr. Sharif also emphasized Pakistan’s long-term collaboration with the international community in light of the situation in Afghanistan, especially since August of last year. The Australian high commissioner expressed thanks for Pakistan’s effective and timely participation in the safe evacuation of Australians and others from Afghanistan, as well as expressed his intention for the continued improvement of bilateral relations. He also thanked the prime minister for his hospitality and reaffirmed his intention to expand and diversify the current ties between Australia and Pakistan.
According to media sources, when Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assumed office in April, he sent a letter to the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, highlighting the importance of strong bilateral ties between the two neighboring nations. The ties between India and Pakistan have worsened further since India announced the repeal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and partitioned the state into two union territories in August 2019.
