India's response to Pakistan's proposal on Kartarpur corridor agreement 'childish': FO
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Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal has regretted that India is showing a childish attitude towards finalizing the draft agreement on Kartarpur Corridor.
At his weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, he said Pakistan on Monday had shared a detailed proposal along with a draft agreement with the Indian authorities in line with the spirit of Prime Minister's vision and invited an Indian delegation to Pakistan to discuss and finalize modalities for the agreement.
He, however, said India instead of responding to Pakistan's proposal, sent a set of two dates for a Pakistani team to visit New Delhi for the purpose.
The spokesperson assured that Pakistan, unlike, India would come out with a very mature and well considered response on this highly important matter and respond to the Indian move very soon.
Responding to a question on latest ceasefire violations by India on the Line of Control, the spokesperson said India resorts to such diversionary tactics just to cover its ongoing oppression and atrocities against innocent Kashmiris in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said India committed 2300 ceasefire violations last year and these violations are still on the surge. He said Pakistan is responding in a befitting manner to the unprovoked Indian firing on the LOC. He categorically stated that Pakistan would respond to India in the same coin. If it speaks the language of peace, we will respond peacefully and if it speaks the language of bullet, we will respond with the bullet.
To a question, Dr Muhammad Faisal rejected the Indian claim about sinking of their fishing boat in Pakistani waters on 17th of this month. He, however, said poaching in Pakistani exclusive economic zones is a frequent activity by the Indian fishing boats. He said Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) conducts anti-poaching operations as per the laws and international regulations and the relevant UN convention.
When asked about Afghan reconciliation process, the spokesperson said Pakistan and Qatar are providing the necessary support and facilitating the ongoing talks between the Afghan Taliban and the United States in Doha. He said Pakistan's stated position on the Afghan peace and reconciliation process remains the same that intra-Afghan dialogue and a politically negotiated solution is the only way forward to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan and the region at large.
He said it is the shared responsibility of all the stakeholders to continue their positive role in furthering the peace process in Afghanistan.
To a query, Dr Muhammad Faisal said US Senator Lindsey Graham during his recent visit to Islamabad had very constructive interactions with Pakistani leadership including Prime Minister Imran Khan on promoting bilateral relations and seeking a political settlement in Afghanistan. He said no dates have yet been finalized for any meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump.
When asked about Pakistani prisoners languishing in Afghan jails, the spokesperson said negotiations with the Afghan authorities are in progress on the matter and we hope that some Pakistani prisoners would soon be released and repatriated.
To another question, the spokesperson strongly ruled out the presence of Daesh on Pakistani soil.
