Anti-Pak actions by Hindu extremists exacerbating present tensions: PM

WASHINGTON: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the international community to play its role for preventing India's belligerent actions.

Addressing the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) in Washington on Friday, he stated that there is a real threat to peace and security in South Asia and the international community cannot remain oblivious to it.

He said Washington can play a constructive role in averting the present danger of escalation in India-Pakistan tension and promoting stability in South Asia.

PM Nawaz went on to say that Pakistan-India relationship poses the most difficult and urgent challenge.

“A close and enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States is a strategic imperative for achieving lasting peace and stability in our region and beyond.”

The prime minister further said he has made sincere efforts to improve relations with neighbouring India but his efforts have not been reciprocated.

He said the National Security Advisers' (NSA) level talks were scuttled by India's attempts to limit the talks to one issue and to dictate the program of Pakistan’s NSA in New Delhi.

He added that the cancellation of NSA talks has been followed by increased ceasefire violations by India across the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary as well as a stream of hostile statements by the Indian political and military leadership.

“Meanwhile, anti-Pakistan actions by Hindu extremists are exacerbating the present tensions in the region.”

The PM went on to say that in his address to the UN General Assembly, he proposed a new peace initiative that could serve the basis for progress towards normalisation.

“Unfortunately, India's response was not positive.”

He said while refusing talks, India is engaged in a major arms buildup, regrettably with the active assistance of several powers.

“It has adopted dangerous military doctrines. This will compel Pakistan to take several counter measures to preserve credible deterrence.”

PM Sharif further said that he had told Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that Pakistan was prepared to help revive the Taliban talks, however, adding that, "We cannot bring the Taliban to the table and be asked to kill them at the same time."

Earlier at the beginning of the prime minister’s address at USIP, a protester disrupted the speech, shouting slogans.

The PM looked up and paused briefly as the man was led away, but did not comment on the interruption.