The Pakistan government said Prime Minister Imran Khan has responded to Narendra Modi “in positive spirit” to hold talks and resolve issues. (File Photo)In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday, Pakistan PM Imran Khan has said the only way forward for the two countries is through “constructive engagement”. He added the countries owe it to the people to find a peaceful solution to outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. PM Modi had written to Khan on August 18 after he was sworn in as Prime Minister.
“Pakistan and India have an undeniably challenging relationship. We, however, owe it to our people, especially the future generations, to peacefully resolve all outstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to bridge differences and achieve a mutually beneficial outcome,” his letter, dated September 14, reads, according to news agency PTI.
Khan has also suggested a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. “Building on the mutual desire for peace between our two countries, I wish to propose a meeting between Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, before the informal meeting of the SAARC foreign ministers at the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York,” Khan wrote.
The Pakistan government, meanwhile, confirmed that its Prime Minister has responded to PM Modi. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal, in a tweet, said that Khan was awaiting a formal response from India.
PM has responded to PM Modi, in a positive spirit, reciprocating his sentiments. Let’s talk and resolve all issues. We await formal reaponse from India.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) September 20, 2018
PDP hopeful that PM Modi will reciprocate
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reciprocate the offer of talks made by his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan, saying “dialogue is the only way out of the stalemate.”
Thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI for your positive gesture. We hope PM @narendramodi will reciprocate your sentiments. Dialogue is the only way out of this stalemate. @MEAIndia @Ajaybis https://t.co/q5tmVRBPVm
— J&K PDP (@jkpdp) September 20, 2018