- Sharif says relations with India can only improve after resolution of Kashmir dispute
- Kerry assures Sharif of continued US cooperation to further enhance economic engagement in Pakistan
- Lauds Pakistan’s achievements in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, acknowledges Sharif’s efforts for regional peace
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday apprised US Secretary of State John Kerry about the destabilising role being played by Indian intelligence agencies in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Balochistan and Karachi.
Three separate dossiers containing evidence of Indian involvement in subversive activities were handed over to the US side by PM’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz.
John Kerry had called upon the premier at Blair House in Washington DC.
During the meeting, the prime minister also reiterated upon peace initiatives that he had put forth during the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. PM Sharif also informed Secretary Kerry on the important achievements of his government over the last two years, especially in the economic and internal security domain.
Secretary Kerry assured Premier Sharif of the continued US cooperation to further enhance economic engagement between the two countries, including in meeting Pakistan’s energy needs.
The leadership of the two countries also discussed the situation of peace and security in the broader region, and it was agreed that terrorism posed a common challenge to regional and global security and reaffirmed their resolve to counter this challenge.
The premier also informed Kerry of operation Zarb-e-Azab and the National Action Plan (NAP).
PM Sharif apprised the US top diplomat of the progress made in the fight against terrorism and said that desired results were being achieved. Kerry commended the significant gains made during Zarb-e-Azb and appreciated Sharif’s commitment to promote peace and security in the region.
Sharif pointed out that that Pakistan was besieged by terrorism when his government came to power, and Balochistan was in a state of war. Rather than playing the blame game and pointing fingers at previous regimes his government directed their efforts towards the betterment of the country.
Sharif maintained that the day was not far when terrorism will be completely uprooted from the country. He said that his government adopted those priorities that were in line with the sentiments of its citizens.
INDIA UNINTERESTED IN PEACE:
Earlier in the day Prime Minister Sharif addressed the Pakistani-American community in Washington where he said that India’s response to efforts for peace has not been encouraging.
Addressing the event, PM Sharif said that Pakistan wants friendly relations with all its neighbours, including India, and had been making efforts for lasting regional peace as it was in the interest of all.
“If we sincerely want to bring peace to the region, we will have to resolve the Kashmir issue, adding, “The entire world knows that Kashmir is the root cause of tension in the region.”
Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s desire for peace in Afghanistan and said that Islamabad would continue to play its role in this regard.
The premier said that the network of terrorists in Pakistan has been destroyed and reiterated the country’s resolve to root out terrorism.
During his speech, Sharif highlighted socio-economic development programmes underway in Pakistan, including the Rs 341 billion Kissan Package, the joint Pak-China Gwadar port initiative and Pak-Russia cooperation on the North-South gas pipeline. The prime minister said the addition of 3,600 megawatts of electricity to the national grid by 2017 would allow the country to overcome the energy crisis.
He said Pakistan’s budget deficit had been reduced from 8.8 per cent to 5.3pc, and that the stock market had picked up. The premier called for all stakeholders to join hands for progress and development in Pakistan.
Upon his arrival in Washington, the prime minister was presented with a guard of honour by a contingent of the US armed forces.
The premier is accompanied by his wife Kulsoom Nawaz, daughter Maryam Nawaz, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar and PM’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
