–Modi messages Imran time to ‘work together’ for peaceful region
–Indian PM extends ‘best wishes’ for Pakistani people on national day
–PM Imran welcomes Modi’s message, calls for comprehensive dialogue on Kashmir issue
In what could be seen as a major breakthrough for the de-escalation of Pakistan-India tensions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday messaged his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan, conveying his desire to work together for the development of Sub-continent.
“It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence,” PM Imran quoted Modi as saying in the message.
Received msg from PM Modi: "I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence"
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
According to PM Imran, Modi extended his “greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan.”
Welcoming the message, the premier said he believes “it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, especially the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.”
I welcome PM Modi's message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
Earlier in the day, PM Modi slammed Sam Pitroda, a confidant of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, for questioning the death toll in the Balakot airstrike in Pakistan, saying that Pitroda has “kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress”.
“The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!” Modi tweeted.
PM Modi’s message to the premier is being seen as the first friendly gesture by India since the February 14 Pulwama attack which brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to the brink of war. More than 40 members of India’s security forces died in the suicide bombing.
Indian and Pakistani warplanes engaged in a dogfight on Feb 27, a day after a raid by Indian jet fighters on what New Delhi said was a militant camp in Pakistan. Islamabad denied any militant camp exists in the area and said the Indian bombs exploded on an empty hillside.
Pakistan downed an Indian plane for violating its airspace and captured its pilot after he ejected in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The tensions de-escalated after PM Imran decided to release the Indian pilot as a peace gesture, and following concerted diplomatic efforts by countries including the United States, China and the UAE.
The Indian government, which is seeking re-election in next month’s national polls, had responded to Islamabad’s peace gesture and offer for dialogue with effective silence.