LAHORE - Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaqat Baloch has said although the Nawaz- Modi meeting was significant in the present scenario, India’s stubbornness is a hurdle for establishment of peace in the region.
In a statement on Saturday, he said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had avoided taking a firm and clear stance before and during the meeting although this was the best opportunity to talk point blank on Indian aggression, New Delhi’s involvement in terrorism in the country, and on the Kashimiris’ right to self determination.
Even though Pakistan cancelled the dinner for the Kashmiri leaders, India was not ready to talk on Kashmir issue nor would Modi abandon his aggressive policy, he added.
Baloch said it was high time that Islamabad adopted a firm policy regarding relations with India, talks and regional issues, through national consensus as had been in the case of the Pak China Economic Corridor. “The PM should not fall into India’s trap of false diplomacy as this was the time to adopt a strong policy with the neighbouring country,” he further suggested. The JI acting chief has expressed satisfaction over Pakistan becoming a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
Meanwhile, he called on the former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and discussed matters of mutual interest with him. He also met with the Iranian ambassador in the country and the JUI (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman. Senior JI deputy chief Prof Khurshid Ahmed accompanied him.
Baloch also visited the residence of late Sardar Abdul Qayyum Khan, and offered his condolences to the deceased’s son Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan and other family members.