On Wednesday, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing the first edition of the Islamabad Security Dialogue, a two-day summit organized by Pakistan’s National Security Division in collaboration with the country’s leading think tanks, said that Kashmir issue is the only issue which is coming in the way of building better ties with India, while also hindering sustained peace in South Asia.
He expressed readiness to hold talks with India, only if New Delhi reverses steps taken by them in August 2019 by changing the special status of Jammu Kashmir, and gives Kashmiris the right to self-determination.
He said that he hoped India gives the people of Kashmir the right to choose for themselves according to the United Nations Security Council resolutions. He added that these changes will not be beneficial for only Pakistan but for both the countries.
He said that there was a lot of poverty in India currently, if this poverty is to be removed then we have to make our trading and economic ties strong. He added that our regional connectivity needs to be increased. India will benefit from being connected with Central Asia, he added.
Last month, he welcomed the decision taken by India and Pakistan to halt cross-border firing along the Line of Control under the ceasefire agreement. He said that the chances of creating a good environment for further progress between two countries, rests with India.
He said that Pakistan always had stood for peace and was ready to move forward to resolve all matters with India through dialogues.