Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that Pakistan was ready to work with India against ending the menace of terrorism.
During his address at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Dar said: "Pakistan is ready to hold negotiations with India. The negotiations with India should be meaningful. Pakistan is waiting for holding talks with India at the neutral location."
"Pakistan has taken action against Lashkar-e-Taiba, years ago. India is diverting the world's attention by making lame excuses. Pakistan cannot sideline the situation of the region,” he said.
Speaking about the Palestine-Israel conflict, Dar said: "Palestine should be made an independent state with Al Quds as its capital."
He has resolved to strengthen economic ties with the United States.
Dar recalled the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing th discussion as "productive". He underlined the importance of trade over aid, stating that Pakistan seeks a mutually beneficial commercial relationship with the US.
Dar said: "The international landscape is undergoing significant change." Speaking about the global economy, Dar said: "The global economy remains under pressure."
"The terrorism continues to pose a serious threat. Pakistan remains actively engaged in the fight against terrorism," he said.
Arms deal with China not aimed at undermining US ties
Dar stated that Pakistan’s acquisition of arms from China does not reflect any intention to damage its relations with the United States. He affirmed that Pakistan does not view its ties with any one country through the prism of another. "A trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States is expected to be signed within days," he said.
Dar criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its 126-day sit-in in 2014, which, he said, harmed the national economy. He said that the law would take its course regarding the events of 9 May, stating that popularity does not justify taking up arms or bypassing legal processes. “When someone takes up arms, even a conciliator like me cannot assist,” he said.
He clarified that the current government had no role in the legal cases against the PTI founder, emphasising that all such matters were before the courts. He also referred to Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s long-standing imprisonment in the United States, stating that she had been detained under US law for decades.
Dar added that Pakistan does not interfere in the affairs of other states and will not permit others to interfere in its own. He reiterated that Pakistan does not seek conflict with its neighbours. Commenting on international developments, he said that Russia’s decision to recognise the Afghan government was its own prerogative.
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