Imran Khan: Dialogues with India can only resume after 2019 elections

Ties between India and Pakistan would improve only after 2019 Lok Sabha elections, was the opinion of the recently elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. Imran Khan also stated on Tuesday that the talks can only resume in peaceful environment between the two ‘friendly’ neighbours.

Stating that his efforts to resume dialogues with India were not reciprocated appropriately, Khan opined that Indian government should initiate the process of talks to resolve the differences. However, he said that peace and security are the two main prime objectives for his government.

Speaking with Reuters, he said, “One thing Pakistan needs more than any other country right now is peace and security.” Khan had initiated the dialogue with India during the United Nations General Assembly last month — where two external affairs Sushma Swaraj (India) and Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi (Pakistan) were supposed to meet — but it was called off by India, stating — “Terrorism and talks can’t go together”.

Citing the killing of security personnel in Jammu-Kashmir and Pakistan issuing a postage stamp “glorifying” slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, India stepped back and called off the meeting. However, Pakistan stated that Indian government was just looking for excuses to avoid holding talks.

Also, condemning the killings the Kashmiri people, Pakistani premier took to Twitter and stated that India should come into a consensus in order to solve the Kashmir dispute, according to the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He had tweeted, “Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris….by Indian security forces.”

Responding back to the tweets of Khan, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated that Pakistan should focus to address its own issues. Adding on, Kumar said that the neighbouring country should stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Kumar tweeted, “Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.”

The former cricketer-turned-politician — took over the office of Prime Minister in August this year — had said that he wants to solve the pending differences with India through progressive dialogues. He had also sought help from the Indian counterpart to initiate peace in the sub-continent.

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