BAKU: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Saturday that Kashmir was the main cause of unrest in the region and India must show seriousness for its resolution and honour its commitment in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
He said that Pakistan as a peace-loving country was committed to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
During an informal chat with journalists, the prime minister regretted that within six hours of the Uri incident India hurled allegations at Pakistan though an investigation had yet to take place into that attack.
In an apparent reference to India’s claim of carrying out surgical strikes in Azad Kashmir in reaction to the Uri incident, Mr Sharif reiterated that no infiltration took place across the Line of Control.
Pakistan offered dialogue several times to resolve outstanding issues but India did not reciprocate, he said, adding that if India was serious about resolving the issues, then Pakistan would talk to it.
Mr Sharif said that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and war was not a solution to any issue. India should adopt a serious approach to resolve all issues, he added.
In reply to a question, the premier said he was deeply moved by the sentiments of the father of Burhan Wani, the young commander killed by Indian forces in the Valley.
To another question, he said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed on a fast-track basis.
He said that CPEC would be a harbinger of fast-track development in the country as several energy, infrastructure and power projects were being completed as part of the CPEC.
He said that the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project would be functional soon and work on coal- and LNG-based projects would also be completed.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over efforts aimed at restoration of peace in Karachi.
Later, Mr Sharif left for Islamabad. Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ali Akhmedov saw off the prime minister at the airport.
Mr Sharif paid the three-day visit at the invitation of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev.
During his visit, PM Sharif discussed with President Aliyev ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Both leaders addressed a joint press conference and shared their vision for peace in the region, besides agreeing to enhance economic and defence cooperation.
During a meeting with his Azerbaijan counterpart Artur Rasizade, Mr Sharif exchanged views to strengthen bilateral ties in the fields of energy, defence and economy.
The two leaders were unanimous in seeking a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the Security Council resolutions.
The prime minister was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Baku State University in recognition of his services for global peace and progress and strengthening of ties between the two countries.
The prime minister along with his delegation also held a meeting with the speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Mejlis.
He laid a wreath at the tomb of Hayder Aliyev, former Azerbaijan president, at Fakhri Kiyaban.
He also visited the Alley of Martyrs at Shahidlar Khiyaban and paid homage to the martyrs of the Azerbaijan independence movement.http://www.dawn.com/news/1290272/pakistan-ready-for-talks-if-india-serious-about-kashmir-pm
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