—Talks between Nasser Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval held on March 26 helped end a standoff between both nations over diplomats’ harassment
National Security Adviser (NSA) Lieutenant General (r) Nasser Khan Janjua on Tuesday called the Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and conveyed to him Pakistan’s concerns regarding the high-handed approach adopted by the Indian security forces in the occupied Kashmir region.
The two officials talked over the phone to discuss issues related to bilateral relations and the worsening security situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IOK), a press release said.
On Sunday, Indian security forces killed at least 20 people by attacking funeral processions in Islamabad and Shopian districts of the occupied valley. Pakistan on Monday condemned the ongoing violence in the valley and called on the Indian government to stop the bloodshed of innocents in IOK.
On the occasion, Janjua informed Bisaria of Pakistan’s intentions of pursuing a friendly policy in respect to neighbouring countries, adding that normalising relations with India was a priority for the country.
He also said that Pakistan was ready to find solutions to all outstanding issues by engaging in comprehensive dialogues with regional countries.
Janjua expressed serious concerns about the brutal human rights violations committed by the Indian security forces in occupied Kashmir. He emphasised that this particular issue could not be resolved with the use of force, saying it “would lead us nowhere”.
“Pakistan wholeheartedly supports the struggle of Kashmiris for self-determination and want to resolve this issue in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. Dialogue is the only way forward to resolve disputes and establish regional peace,” he added.
Bisaria said that it was important for both Pakistan and India to improve bilateral relations, adding, “Both countries have immense potential to improve their relationship and cater to each other’s needs.”
The Indian envoy also suggested taking small steps towards improving ties between the two neighbouring countries, including the exchange of prisoners, initiating trade activities, and granting visit visas to medical teams.
“We can start by taking small steps and gradually move towards normalising our relations by moving on to bigger issues,” he added.
Meanwhile, a Times of India report published on Tuesday said that a March 26 telephonic conversation between NSA Nasser Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval helped end a standoff between both nations over diplomats’ harassment.
According to the report, Janjua and Doval agreed on the issue being resolved under the 1992 Code of Conduct governing the treatment of diplomatic and consular staff stationed in both countries. Pakistani High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood and his Islamabad counterpart also worked with local authorities to ensure the CoC was employed to remedy pertinent issues.
Last week, Pakistan and India agreed to address the issue of diplomats’ harassment through talks. The development came as a result of back-channel diplomacy between the two states to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
Both New Delhi and Islamabad issued a simultaneous statement in this regard. “India and Pakistan have mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct on the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan,” a statement issued by the Foreign Office read.
The 1992 accord provides a comprehensive code of conduct for treatment of diplomats and other staff posted in New Delhi and Islamabad. The code of conduct envisages both sides ensure safety and security of diplomats and shall not resort to intrusive and aggressive surveillance as well as harassment of diplomats and other staff.
Bilateral ties have been strained for months due to the frequent border clashes between the troops deployed along the Line of Control and Working Boundary. Relations deteriorated further after Pakistan accused Indian secret agencies of harassing diplomatic staff and their families. Pakistan said there had been at least 26 instances when Indian secret agencies harassed Pakistani diplomats and their families in New Delhi.
“On Sunday, Indian security forces killed at least 20 people by attacking funeral processions in Islamabad and Shopian districts of the occupied valley. Pakistan on Monday condemned the ongoing violence in the valley and called on the Indian government to stop the bloodshed of innocents in IOK.” – Can you give citations to this comment, since this is blatantly fake news.
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