PM replies to Modi’s letter: ‘People of Pakistan also desire peaceful relations’

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday called for creating an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue in a letter written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Khan, who just recovered from Covid-19, wrote a letter to his Indian counterpart in response to the latter’s message of greetings on the occasion of the Pakistan Day.

“The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu & Kashmir dispute,” PM Khan said in his letter.

Prime Minister also said: “The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day [23rd March] by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential.”

He also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic

“I also take this opportunity to convey our best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” wrote PM Khan.

Earlier, Indian PM Modi sent a letter to PM Khan to extend greetings to the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

“As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative,” wrote Modi.

He also conveyed his best wishes to Prime Minister Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is pertinent to mention that there have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan.

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC).

A delegation of Pakistani officials has also recently visited India to discuss water issues. Recently, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa also called for moving forward by burying the past.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021