Kashmir core issue between Pakistan, India: PM tells UK

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and pursues the policy of maintaining friendly relationships with all its neighbours.

In a meeting with Sir Mark Lyall Grant, National Security Adviser of the United Kingdom here at PM House, the prime minister said the issue of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) was the core issue between India and Pakistan and its resolution would ensure durable peace in the region.

The PM said the Kashmir issue must be resolved according to the UN resolutions as per the commitments made by the Indian government.

He urged upon the world community to take note of the grave human rights violations and atrocities committed by Indian forces in IOK.

The prime minister said it was high time that the long-standing issue of IOK was resolved as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir in accordance with the UN resolutions.

He mentioned that than hundred innocent people had been brutally killed by Indian security forces, hundreds blinded by the use of pellet guns while thousands injured in last few months.

Sir Mark Lyall Grant commended the government of Pakistan for achieving substantial successes in the war against terrorism and extremism.

He acknowledged the huge sacrifices made by the armed forces, police and other law enforcing agencies in this war.

He said the commitment of political government and armed forces, supported by the people of Pakistan had resulted into phenomenal victory against terrorism.

He also appreciated the prime minister’s policy of reaching out to the neighbouring countries for establishing cordial relationships with them.

“We encourage and support your efforts for peaceful cooperation with your neighbouring countries,” he added.