ISLAMABAD:
Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said the criticism and concern shown by India over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is unacceptable.
Responding to statement of Indian Minister for External Affairs Shushma Swaraj on CPEC, the adviser said that he was rather surprised by her remarks and these are’ “not acceptable”.
He said the mega project is all about regional connectivity and economic development and prosperity of the common people of the entire region.
Aziz said there is dichotomy in the Indian statements on their pronouncements on the importance of the regional connectivity for development and their negative comments about CPEC.
The adviser added it should be clear that Pakistan and China enjoy exemplary relations and Pakistan maintains a policy of non-interference in other countries’ bilateral relations and expects the same from others to refrain from commenting on Pakistan’s bilateral relations with other countries.
He said the Spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has also said, “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a major Cooperation Framework between the two countries and is not against any third party”.
Aziz said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision envisages improved relations with all its neighbours including India.
He said it was in this spirit that the Prime Minister attended the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 26 May 2014. The primary objective of this vision is economic development of the region, he added.
Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan’s policy all along has been that all outstanding disputes, particularly the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir should be resolved through dialogue.
“Pakistan believes in a sustained, comprehensive and result-oriented dialogue and also believes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are important stakeholders in the final resolution of the Kashmir dispute since they have yet to exercise their right to self-determination as enshrined in numerous UN Resolutions,” he added.
The advisor while referring to the ‘principle’ of creating an atmosphere of harmony, free of terror and violence said that peace is multi-dimensional process.
He said when India keeps violating ceasefire at the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, indulges in worst human rights violations against helpless Kashmiris in Indian occupied Kashmir, and undertakes subversive activities in Pakistan, then asking Pakistan to create an environment free of violence only sounds ironical.
The advisor in this context referred to the recent articulation of Indian policy by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, which confirmed Pakistan’s apprehensions regarding Indian involvement in terrorism in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan is most affected by terrorism and has sacrificed thousands of lives in its counter-terrorism efforts. Terrorism is thus a common challenge, and fighting this menace requires collective efforts, he added.
