Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday reiterated his government’s resolve to attain peace with Taliban as well as India through dialogue, stating that the recent deliberations of the Defence Committee of the Cabinet discussed the issue of extremism and terrorism and decided that there was also a need to address the energy crisis on urgent basis.
The prime minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting to discuss the Kashgar-Gwadar Economic Corridor that would open up new vistas for economic activity and generate employment in the country.
Earlier in the day, US secretary of State John Kerry called the PM and talked about LoC tensions between India and Pakistan.
“The prime minister stressed the importance of a meaningful interaction and said it will help address all issues. He said the importance of dialogue cannot be ruled out,” an official handout said.
When contacted, an official source at the PM’s House confirmed that the PM had referred to the talks with Taliban as well as India to resolve all issues including terrorism.
Nawaz said the country could not progress unless law and order improved and said it would pave the way for economic prosperity of the country.
He recalled his Chinese visit where the Chinese side expressed concerns about security situation in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan had to tender apologies for the killings of Chinese nationals in terror-related incidents in Pakistan. “How long will we tender apologies? We need to rectify the wrongs,” the prime minister said.