Pakistan conveys concerns over Kashmir to Indian diplomat

ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Lt-Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua on Tuesday conveyed Pakistan’s concerns on the worsening security situation in Occupied Kashmir in a phone call with Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria. The pre-planned call was made by the Indian diplomat, a press release said.

The two sides discussed matters pertaining to improving bilateral relations including the recent worsening situation in India-Held Kashmir. Janjua told Bisaria that Pakistan was pursuing a policy of friendly relations with all neighbouring countries, including normalcy of relationship with India. Pakistan is committed to resolving all outstanding issues through comprehensive dialogues, he said.

The national security adviser expressed serious concerns over ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir valley, and emphasised that the use of force "will lead us nowhere". “Pakistan is deeply committed to the cause of Kashmir and supports to resolve this issue politically and according to the aspirations of Kashmiri people. Process of dialogue is the only way forward to resolve our disputes,” he added.

The Indian envoy acknowledged Pakistan and India needed to improve bilateral relations and said “both countries have immense potential to improve the relationship, and cater to each other’s needs,” the statement said.

Bisaria also suggested working on taking small steps for improving ties, including exchange of prisoners, visits of medical teams and trade initiatives. “We can build on these small steps between us and take the relationship towards normalcy to address the bigger issues” he added.

Separately, Janjua said Pakistan enjoyed exemplary relations with Turkey and there was no match for warmth and affection shared by both the countries and their people. He was talking to Turkish Naval Chief, Vice Admiral Adnan OZBAL along with his delegation, who met him here and discussed different aspects of further improving bilateral relations, defence cooperation and matters pertaining to security situation in the region.

Both countries had a similarity in nature of challenges faced by them, they said. Discussing security situation in the region, Janjua highlighted nature of perpetual conflict in Afghanistan and role of Pakistan to support and strengthen peace there.

He appreciated role and contributions made by Turkish president for his country, Pakistan and more so for Muslim world. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory of bilateral relations and reiterated their strong resolve to support each other and further enhance and strengthen their mutual cooperation.

The naval chief shared facts regarding on-going war in Syria and adjacent areas and security challenges it possess for Turkey. He expressed his gratitude for love and affection he received in Pakistan and said Pakistan was a close friend of Turkey.

He also acknowledged role of Pakistan for strengthening peace in region and for eliminating terrorism from its soil. "Turkey clearly recognizes security challenges faced by Pakistan today and can even relate to them. Having trouble in neighbourhood, Turkey is also facing national security challenges," he added. He also expressed desire to further enhance cooperation in defence and defence production.