MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the response of Indian army chief on Saturday said that Pakistan is an Islamic welfare state, It came into being based on an idea and Indian army chief’s remarks can’t change our ideology.
He was commenting on General Bipin Rawat’s statement that Pakistan needs to be a secular country to have better ties with India.
Speaking to the media persons, he welcomed New Delhi’s response to Pakistan’s efforts amid at fulfilling the demand of the Sikh community to open border crossing in Kartapur.
“We are thankful to the Indian government. They also sent two ministers to the ceremony,” he said.
He said it was a good beginning and should take positively. He said Pakistan has the desire for peace at its eastern and western borders and better relations with neighbours.
The minister said the opening of Kartarpur border was welcomed all over the world.
Responding to a question regarding the formation of south Punjab province, there were some legal restrictions and the matter requires a constitutional amendment.
“It is our desire, intention and a part of our manifesto to make south Punjab a separate province and give it a separate identity, ” he said.
Earlier, Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Saturday said that Pakistan has to develop as a secular state if it wants to enjoy good ties with India.
Responding to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement regarding peace and dialogue between the two countries, General Rawat said that its Pakistan’s turn to show practical action against terrorism.
While ignoring worst behavior with the Kashmiris and minorities in India, the army chief asked Pakistan to take steps for secularism.
Earlier, PM Imran Khan reiterated that no issue was impossible to solve between India and Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan wishes to maintain peace and is asking for taking a step forward from the very first day.
“After Mumbai attacks, Indo-Pak relations were dented but India has not changed its mindset till date. Only peace is the way to move forward. Two nuclear powers cannot afford war. We will take two steps if India takes one,” said Khan.
The prime minister made it evident that great gestures should not be one-sided. “India should also provide some positive response. It should not be always us,” he said.
“I am not responsible for the past. I will only be answerable for the present,” declared the premier.
from Pakistan Today
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