Pakistan won't abandon peace efforts despite India's reluctance, says Qureshi
India's reluctance to hold talks with Pakistan doesn't mean Islamabad will close doors on its efforts to promote peace in the region, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said, days after Delhi canceled the Foreign Minister-level meeting in New York. Addressing a news conference at Pakistan Embassy in Washington on Sunday, Qureshi said India used incidents that happened in July to cancel peace talks.
Why did India cancel the Foreign Minister-level meeting?
India on Friday called off the meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Qureshi that was to happen on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. India cited the "brutal" killing of three policemen in J&K as well as the release of the postal stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani by Pakistan for calling off the meeting.
Hiding away from issues won't make them disappear: Qureshi
"India is reluctant, (but) we will not close our doors," said Qureshi, adding, "Hiding away from issues will not make them disappear. It will not improve the situation in Kashmir." He said further that he was unable to understand why India refused the peace talks.
Qureshi says India's response to Pakistan's peace offer was harsh
"Engagement, no engagement. Coming, not coming. We desired talks as we believe the sensible way is to meet and talk. They agreed, and then disagreed," Qureshi said. Qureshi said India's response to Pakistan's peace offer was harsh and non-diplomatic. "We didn't use a non-diplomatic language in our rejoinder. Our response was matured and measured. They adopted a new approach, and moved back," he said.
Qureshi unhappy with Sushma Swaraj's language and tone
Qureshi also alleged that Sushma Swaraj's "language and tone was unbecoming of a Foreign Minister." Asked if the tensions between India and Pakistan could lead to a war between the two countries, the Pak Foreign Minister said, "Who is talking of war? Not us. We want peace, stability, employment, and improving lives. You identify where is the reluctance."
Pakistan's desire for peace shouldn't be mistaken for weakness: Qureshi
Qureshi said Pakistan's desire for peace shouldn't be mistaken for a sign of weakness. "We want peace. It doesn't mean, we cannot defend ourselves... We can, but we don't have an aggressive mindset," he said. Qureshi also rejected India's concerns over the release of postal stamps "glorifying" Wani, saying, "Hundreds and thousands of people are fighting in Kashmir, not all of them are terrorists."
Pakistan ready to open Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara corridor, says Qureshi
Qureshi also reiterated Pakistan's offer to open the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara corridor for allowing Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the historic Gurdwara on the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev. Whether it would be taken up is still a mystery. The Indo-Pakistan ties nosedived following a spate of terror attacks on Indian military bases by Pakistan-based terror groups since 2016.
