ISLAMABAD – Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Chaudhry FawadHussain says Pakistan is ready to hold talks with the new Indianleadership, whatever it may, for normalization of bilateral relations andto move things forward.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, the Minister said Pakistanileadership believes that there will be no forward movement until electionprocess in India is completed.
He said diplomatic channels that were used to reduce tensions in theaftermath of the Pulwama terror attack are remained operational, albeit inthe backdrop.
Fawad Chaudhry said Islamabad is looking towards engaging with the newdispensation in New Delhi after the completion of the Indian elections.
He said it is obvious that the atmosphere that was developed post-Pulwamaand the tensions are not in the interests of the people or the region. TheMinister said the way in which a war frenzy has been created in India,especially in the media, that leads to fears but things are moving on.
However, he contended that the post-Pulwama tensions had not beenadequately addressed on the Indian side.
The Information Minister said from the Pakistani side, there was never anywar frenzy and we tried to reduce the retaliation and behaved veryresponsibly. He described Islamabad’s plan to release 360 Indian prisoners,who had completed their sentences, as a reflection of the desire tonormalize ties with India.
he said it shows the Pakistani intention of normalization with India and wewill continue this policy.
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Fawad Chaudhry expressed disappointment at the recent death of Pakistaniprisoner Shakirullah during a brawl in Jaipur Central Jail in February.
He said we have shown magnanimity and the day we released Wing CommanderAbhinandan, the next day a Pakistani prisoner’s body was handed over to us.But despite that, the atmosphere in Pakistan has remained calm.
Fawad Chaudhry said Islamabad will also continue its efforts tooperationalize the Kartarpur Corridor connecting Dera Baba Nanak in Indiawith Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan by the time of the 550th birthanniversary of Guru Nanak in November.
He said the government in Indian Punjab has shown non-seriousness on theKartarpur Corridor.
The Information said it’s a historic moment and Pakistan will take thisforward in every way.
