ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran said that Pakistan is ready to restarttalks with India if it gives a roadmap towards the restoration of thespecial status of occupied Kashmir.
In an interview with Reuters, the premier said that India had crossed ‘redline’ by withdrawing the autonomy of Kashmir in 2019 when it had abolishedArticle 307 of its Constitution that ensured the autonomous status of thevalley, it is controlling forcefully.
Currently downgraded bilateral ties between Islamabad and Delhi are theoutcome of the India’s 2019 move that had sparked anger in Pakistan,leading to suspension of bilateral trade.
“If there is a roadmap, then, yes, we will talk,” Khan told theinternational media outlet.
“Even if they give us a roadmap, that these are the steps that we willtake to basically undo what they did, which is illegal, againstinternational law and United Nations resolutions… then that isacceptable,” Khan said.
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Khan said he has always wanted a “civilised” and “open” relationship withIndia.
“It is common sense that if you want to reduce poverty in the subcontinent,the best way is to trade with each other,” he said, referring to theexample of the European Union.
The premier added, “They [India] have to come back for us to resumedialogue,” Khan said, adding, “at the moment there is no response fromIndia”.
