PM Imran Khan addresses the International Media Council in Davos

PM Imran Khan addresses the International Media Council in Davos

ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistan and the US are on same page to resolve the Afghan issue through negotiations.

Addressing the International Media Council in Davos, Switzerland, he said the situation in Afghanistan has always impacted Pakistan and only long term prosperity can come with peace in the war torn country. Imran Khan appreciated the policy of Trump administration to hold dialogue and talks with Taliban to come out of Afghan imbroglio.

Replying to a question, he said when his government came to power, he immediately reached out towards India to improve bilateral relations between the two countries as he strongly believed that only way forward is settlement of disputes through talks. However, the Prime Minister regretted that, India resorted to hostility towards Pakistan after the Pulwama incident.

He said after winning his second term, Indian Prime Minister Modi unilaterally annexed the Occupied Kashmir by revoking its independent status that was granted in Indian constitution. Imran Khan said Kashmiri people have been held hostage for the last five months with innumerable human rights violations.

On a question regarding probability of conflict between India and Pakistan, he ruled out any immediate clash between the two countries. However, he expressed worry that India could again launch a strike inside Pakistan on the pretext of any other Pulwama like incident.

The Prime Minister urged the US and international community to take stock of the situation and play their role in resolving the Kashmir issue. He also impressed upon them to send international observers on fact finding mission in Kashmir as it is becoming a flash point between two nuclear armed neighbors.