ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again asked Afghanistan not to allow India to use its soil against Pakistan.
Responding to a question at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad today, about Indian arms supply to Afghanistan, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said such cooperation should not be to the detriment of Pakistan.
Replying to another question, he said that the international community should play its role in the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and in ending Indian brutalities against people in Occupied Kashmir. He said over 80 Kashmiris have been martyred, seven thousand injured and 500 deprived of their eye-sight due to pellet gun fire by Indian forces.
He said Pakistan has been trying to sensitize the international community about the plight of people in Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan would also continue its moral, diplomatic and political support for a peaceful struggle towards the right to self-determination.
The spokesman said in view of the delicate situation in Occupied Kashmir, Pakistan has already extended an invitation to India for dialogue. He said that Kashmir remains the top issue on Pakistan’s negotiating table.
He said that Pakistan wants to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner and through result-oriented and sustained dialogue, which should not be fragile enough to break down after some unfortunate incident.
Answering a question, he said Pakistan and India discussed Kashmir issue bilaterally several times during the last six decades but the dialogue remained unsuccessful due to Indian intransigence.
He said, Simla agreement does not prevent taking the issue to the UN as under the accord the two countries upheld supremacy of the UN charter in the conduct of their relations. He said relevant UN resolutions on Kashmir are still outstanding on the Security Council agenda.
Replying to another question, he said Indian Prime Minister referred to Balochistan in his bid to divert attention from the gruesome situation in Occupied Kashmir. However, the world is not naive and understands Indian machinations. He said large-scale reaction against Mr. Modi's remarks in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan also exposed Indian designs.
The spokesman said preparations are on for hosting of 19th SAARC summit in Pakistan in November this year. He expressed confidence that the summit would focus on relevant issues and give better results as per the expectations of people in the region.
He told a questioner that efforts are continuing to muster support for Pakistan's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. He said Pakistan meets the criteria required for membership of the Group.
To a question he said Pakistan has already taken up with the British authorities the issue of the provocative speech made by Altaf Hussain.
Replying yet another question he said Pakistan has been emphasizing that politically negotiated settlement is the only viable solution of the Afghan problem. He said Afghan Government should give an unambiguous message in favour of reconciliation and offer incentives for the purpose.