In an interview to Al- Arabia news channel, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif seems to have reiterated his country’s position on various aspects of India-Pakistan relations.
In Indian media, part of his interview is being presented in a manner that it gives the impression that he has made a peace overture.
Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif is usually being quoted as having said, “Pakistan has learnt its lesson, we had three wars with India. Consequence of those war is that they have brought misery. Want to live in peace with India.”
The above statement is true, however, tweets from his official handle and recording of his interview when viewed in entirety tells a different story.
He has actually reiterated his country’s position that resolution of Kashmir has to be in accordance with UN resolution. He has also set a pre-condition of reversal of abrogation of Art 370 of Constitution of India. Both are anathema to India. India reiterates resolution of bilateral issues under Shimla agreement signed by Pakistan earlier in seventies. Also, India considers Art. 370 to be an internal matter of India. Importantly, Pak PM was silent on India’s demand of cessation of terrorism against India from her soil before bilateral talks could be considered.
In view of these, it is forgone that Pak PM’s ‘so-called’ peace overtures is a no goer. In fact, his mentioning of devastating consequences of nuclear weapons could well be construed a threat.
In fact, he suggests ‘peace’ on their terms and conditions only !
General Election in Pakistan is scheduled this year. The interview seems to be targetted for domestic consumption.
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