President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday ruled out any unilateral withdrawal of troops from Siachen, two days after army chief General Ashfaq Kayani proposed demilitarization of the world’s highest battlefield.
President Zardari was apparently reacting to the statement of opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, who had urged Pakistan and India to withdraw troops from Siachen, where harsh weather had killed more troops of the two countries than actual fighting. President Zardari said the Punjab government was gifted to the PML-N by the PPP, a gift he said he could “withdraw anytime”.
He said the PPP would contest the forthcoming general elections from Punjab and would win hands down. “We cannot unilaterally withdraw troops from Siachen,” President Zardrai told his party supporters in Okara district. “If Pakistan withdraws troops unilaterally from Siachen, we would have to explain the losses suffered during the last ten years. I am aware of the difficulties of soldiers in Siachen which is a difficult terrain, but our opponents are also not in any comfortable position there,” he said.
“If India withdraws its troops we will be ready to take a similar step,” he said. He said Pakistan was ready to resolve Siachen and all other disputes with India through dialogue. Zardari said if Pakistan unilaterally withdrew troops, the people would criticize the decision. “India is suffering more losses in Siachen than Pakistan,” President Zardari said.
He also announced to consider opening Head Sulemanki border for trade with India, adding he had discussed with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ways to promote trade ties during his visit to India this month. Nawaz had also suggested the government take the initiative of withdrawing troops even if India was unwilling to withdraw the troops first.
India occupied its areas of Siachen in 1984 and Pakistan has been demanding withdrawal of Indian troops to previous positions. The dispute over Siachen has been in focus since an avalanche hit a Pakistan Army camp on April 7, burying 138 soldiers and civilians under heavy snow.
“India is suffering more losses in Siachen than Pakistan,” – this is precisely how Pakistan's future was doomed idiot…
Both countries should withdraw simultaneously. This is quite fair.
PLease don't … India doesnt need any favour….keep it up…and keep dying..dont worry abt India..
If it comes to that, then tit for tat. The Indians committed unilateral aggression in 1984 by occupying Siachen. We are ready to sacrifice. However, if better sense prevails in Hindu mentality, simultaneous withdrawal can be negotiated.
Keep in mind, India does not have any incentive to do it. What's in it for them?
What would you think if you hear that now-a-days US wants to do a high altitude exercise with India around that region (i.e., wants to learn a thing or two from Indian Army that they can use in Afghanistan).
By-the-way, if one can not 'live' to sacrifice, what is the point of being 'ready' to sacrifice?
If both sides take the troops back than it is wise otherwise just keep trying to go back the original demarcation line which was before 1984.
keep on fighting and keep dying of poverty!! idiots!!
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