Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi’s greetings on the eve of its ‘National Day’. He said time has come to begin a ‘comprehensive dialogue’ between the two countries to address and resolve all issues, including the ‘central issue’ of Kashmir.
According to official sources in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi sent a letter to Khan, greeting people of Pakistan and highlighting the importance of a terror-free South Asia. Pakistan celebrates its National Day, March 23.
However, there has been no official confirmation regarding Modi’s message to Khan. It is only when the latter tweeted Modi’s message that people got to know about it.
“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 people of sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence’,” Khan said.
In reply to the message, Khan tweeted Friday: “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, especially the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.”
Significantly, India boycotted Friday a reception at the Pakistan High Commission here to mark National Day, objecting to invites extended to several separatist leaders from Jammu and Kashmir for the event.
Officials in New Delhi however, stated that the Prime Minister sends a customary message on National Days to other heads of state and government. However, they were quick to point out that the message will not in any way influence the current situation prevalent between the two countries. In fact they asserted that the PM’s message highlighted the importance of a terror-free South Asia.
India has made it clear to Pakistan that cross-border terror attacks and talks cannot go hand in hand.
PTI
