Pakistan and India can resolve issues only through dialogue: PM

• Sharif tells visiting US senators Kashmir issue should be resolved according to Kashmiris’ aspirations
• Says Pakistan gives priority to trade in relations with US
• Aziz conveys Pakistan’s concerns over Indian aggression on LoC to US senators

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday reiterated that Pakistan and India can resolve their issues only through dialogue.

In a meeting with a two-member delegation of US senators Tim Kaine and Angus King, Nawaz Sharif said that “the UN resolutions have primary importance in the resolution of Kashmir issue”. The premier urged the United Nations to ensure implementation of its resolutions on Kashmir.

“The Kashmir issue should be resolved according to the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he asserted.

Nawaz also lauded US support for Dasu and Bhasha dam projects and said trade is Pakistan’s priority in relations with the US.

“Enhancing mutual trade with US is Pakistan’s top priority in bilateral relationships,” he said.

Sharif told the delegation that Pakistan has seen improvement in its economic indicators and asked for better market access for Pakistani products in the US.

PAKISTAN COVEYS CONCERNS:

Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz conveyed to the visiting US senators Pakistan’s concern over the security situation at the Line of Control.

Aziz once again asserted Pakistan’s approach of seeking peace in the neighbourhood as border clashes, one of the worst since the two neighbours agreed to a landmark ceasefire deal in 2003, resumed once again following a lull after days of heavy firing and mortar shelling.

Earlier, Aziz said that officials from UNMOGIP, a UN observation team, were going to the disputed border to observe the ceasefire violations.

“We cannot draw a veil on the issue of Kashmir, until it is addressed in accordance with the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The prime minister had also reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to work for resolution of this issue through negotiations,” said Aziz, adding that India had adopted a policy that runs counter to its stated desire to engage in a serious bilateral dialogue with Pakistan.

Aziz also revived Pakistan’s demand for Kashmiris to be allowed to hold a plebiscite to decide the region’s future, as called for by a UN resolution adopted in 1948. India has long opposed a plebiscite.

Further, in the meeting the adviser also highlighted the steps taken by the government for economic revival and good governance.

“The senators appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to curb terrorism and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan in this regard,” a Foreign Ministry statement read.

The delegation and adviser agreed that the root cause of terrorism must also be addressed for a long-term solution of the problem.