Pakistan's ties with India linked to resolution of Kashmir issue: Qureshi

BIRMINGHAM: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Thursday said Pakistan's ties with India are linked with the resolution of the Kashmir issue and if New Delhi takes one step then Islamabad will take two steps.

Addressing a gathering of overseas Pakistanis in Birmingham, Qureshi said, “Pakistan will continue its efforts to bring peace and stability in the region.”

He added, "The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan has effectively highlighted the Kashmir issue at international forums." 

Regarding the Afghan peace talks, the foreign minister said, "The US and Taliban are now holding talks due to efforts of PM Imran.”

The foreign minister continued, “Due to prudent economic policies, international companies are now coming to Pakistan for investment in diverse sectors. New agreements for trade and investment will soon be signed with the European Union and the United Kingdom.”

The minister added the government is also committed to complete all projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

A day earlier, FM Qureshi inaugurated an exhibition on Kashmir marking the observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day in London.

The exhibition showcased a wide array of photographs that shed light on the plight of Kashmiris, including women and children who suffered from injuries at the hands of Indian security forces in occupied Kashmir.

In his remarks as chief guest, the foreign minister while highlighting the prevailing human rights situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) strongly condemned the ongoing atrocities and expressed solidarity with Kashmiris in their struggle for their legitimate right to self-determination.

He assured that the government and the people of Pakistan remain steadfast in their moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris. “Pakistan government and its people spare no occasion to create awareness on IoK with the view to ensuring that bloodshed in the occupied valley is halted immediately and unconditionally and that the perpetrators of crimes against innocent Kashmiris are brought to justice,” he said.

FM Qureshi further said the deteriorating situation in IoK has made it all the more necessary to establish an independent, impartial and international investigation to assess the situation in the occupied valley. “Pakistan has repeatedly called for an unbiased investigation into the gross human rights violations in IoK.”