Pakistani leadership, masses capable of defending country: Aizaz

NEW YORK: Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said on Monday that the Pakistani leadership and masses were fully capable of defending the nation, as tensions mounted between both nuclear armed neighbours ahead of PM Nawaz's UN General Assembly address.

Aizaz Chaudhry further said that India cannot stop the momentum in occupied Kashmir and said incendiary statements by the Indian leadership were threatening regional peace. 

Addressing a press briefing, Aizaz Chaudhry confirmed PM Nawaz had met with US Secretary of State John Kerry earlier during the day and discussed Indian atrocities in Kashmir in the meeting. Aizaz Chaudhry said that issues in the meeting pertaining to Afghanistan and energy crisis in Pakistan were also discussed.

"Both representatives recognise the importance of Pakistan-USA relations," he said.

Chaudhry said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had apprised Kerry regarding the violation of human rights in Kashmir while the latter had recognised Pakistan's efforts in rooting out terrorism from the region.

The Foreign Secretary further disclosed that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had also met Saudi Wali and British PM Theresa May. He informed both representatives regarding the issue of human rights violations and Indian state's atrocities in occupied Kashmir.

"Instead of issuing false allegations against Pakistan, India should focus more on the crisis in Kashmir," said Aizaz Chaudhry.

He said that the voice of Kashmiris was reaching the whole world and if the issue of occupied Kashmir was resolved, then all routes would be opened between both nations. Aizaz Chaudhry also said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had attempted to unite the Muslim world on the issue of Kashmir.  

"Pakistan has always wished and worked towards the establishment of peace," he said.