Pakistan will attend Heart of Asia conference in India, says Sartaj Aziz

E-Paper | May 02, 2026

Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Monday confirmed that Pakistan will be attending the upcoming Heart of Asia conference scheduled to be held in India.

Aziz confirmed Pakistan’s participation while talking to journalists in the federal capital.

The Heart of Asia conference will be held during the first week of December in Amritsar, India.

“We have started an effective campaign for the cause of self-determination of Kashmiri people,” said the foreign affairs adviser.

Aziz added that 56 countries condemned India’s heavy handed tactics in India-held Kashmir during a conference in Tashkent last week.

In comparison, India had pulled out of the Saarc summit in Islamabad which was scheduled to be held in November.

The announcement came amid growing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours following the attack on an Indian army base in held Kashmir.

The Foreign Office, in its response after India’s withdrawal from the Saarc summit, termed the Indian announcement as unfortunate in an official statement released.

Soaring tensions

The Indian prime minister stepped up a drive to isolate Pakistan diplomatically after the Uri army base attack.

Hours after the attack occurred, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed Pakistan a 'terrorist state'. India also accused Pakistan of involvement in the attack.

The Uri attack occurred days before Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was set to address the United Nations General Assembly regarding Indian human rights violations in held Kashmir.

Following the attack, India claimed to have conducted a cross-border 'surgical strike' against 'launch pads of terror' in Azad Jammu and Kashmir ─ a claim Pakistan has strongly rejected.

Pakistan maintains India is attempting to divert the world's attention away from 'atrocities' committed by government forces in India-held Kashmir.

Pakistan and India have locked horns over the Kashmir issue since Indian forces stepped up a crackdown against protesters after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed by government forces in July.

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The Truth

Oct 24, 2016 10:28pm

You are going to do great thing. and you will be remembered and praised for that.

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BOSS

Oct 24, 2016 11:03pm

Interesting

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imtiaz syed

Oct 24, 2016 11:13pm

Thats a superb move this will indeed be a diplomatic win. Go for it

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Oct 24, 2016 11:30pm

good...welcome

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OneHumanity

Oct 24, 2016 11:52pm

I hope Mr. Aziz will have the courage to ask that LOC be accepted as the international border and borders be opened for trade and people to people interaction. Neither India nor Pakistan is going to give an inch of Kashimr; nor will they accept an independent Kashimr. So why not accept LOC as the border and become friends. It is easy and a simple solution to a problem that has destroyed people on both sides. Focus on educating your people. Eradicate poverty in south Asia and live like friends. To the world, Indians and Pakistanis are the same people.

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Kumar

Oct 24, 2016 11:59pm

There is not much options left with Pakistan

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MYRESPONSE

Oct 25, 2016 12:04am

India has not only boycotted but also put political pressure on other countries like Bangladesh, Nepal ...not to attend SARC recently, continued violation of LOC. Also, India has tried her level best to isolate Pakistan from the rest of the world but thanks to some of our friends we not only survived but exposed India's evil designs against Pakistan. Is there any sense of justification in saying "yes" to ' Heart of Asia Conference'.

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ECHS

Oct 25, 2016 12:05am

Its like monkey(China) eating away the bread slowly from both sides

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J USA

Oct 25, 2016 12:07am

@OneHumanity Agree with you

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ali

Oct 25, 2016 12:11am

Pakistan is gonna roar inside India against Indian heavy handedness and so called 56 inch chest thumper!

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R Lamb

Oct 25, 2016 12:16am

This shows that Pakistani's foreign policy is non-existing. Have some shame atleast now and boycott it.

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Andy L

Oct 25, 2016 12:17am

Why go there, clean your hearts first, stop terrorism, invest in education not bullets, invest in infra structure not army, invest in social schemes and not hate, invest in diplomacy and terrorism, let elected govt. work and not army interference.

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Andy L

Oct 25, 2016 12:18am

@OneHumanity This is the only solution for both countries.

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Shakil

Oct 25, 2016 12:19am

An aweful and deplorable decision.

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Ataturk, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Oct 25, 2016 12:22am

India and Nawaz are two knots at each end of the rope which led to country reach loss of lives at border, differences with Army and much more. We hope new change will come with only POSITIVES while zero negative for the nation.

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Muhammad

Oct 25, 2016 12:32am

A very courageous and bold step by Government of Pakistan with the firm understanding that neighbours will always be neighbours.India will regret for not attending SAARC in Islamabad.

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Azad Kashmiri

Oct 25, 2016 12:41am

Bad idea. Should boycott the event. Waste of time and just meaningless

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Teja

Oct 25, 2016 12:43am

@OneHumanity : I second you thought. Neither India and Pakistan is going to give their part of Kashmir nor anybody can took it from them. Instead of continuing with the rhetoric, India and Pakistan should accept the LOC as international border and after sometime when the peace prevails open the LOC (turned international border) for kashmiri people. In this way kashmir which has become the center of enmity for both the countries would become the bridge of friendship.

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sam

Oct 25, 2016 12:55am

@OneHumanity really good idea

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Sunny

Oct 25, 2016 12:58am

Do you really think in that case India would allow him to come to India. I think the agenda is different and he is fooling the people.

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truth

Oct 25, 2016 01:02am

You are now taking one foot forward which is good. Dont move backward with pre-conditions, Kashimir etc now. Let me realistic, work toward developement and co-opration.

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GREAT

Oct 25, 2016 01:10am

You are welcome!

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John Fawad.

Oct 25, 2016 01:12am

@OneHumanity well loc can never be true boundary how can you put a wall in a house of a family with the same parents, same ethnicity same colour and same race.It is no solution of the issue. If you want peace and believe in democracy let the kashmiri people decide their fate.You claim to be well educated society, let the kashmiri people desire prevail.Scotland voted to continue with Uk. People of Uk voted to quit EU. Let the kashmiries be given the choice to vote to decide their future b4 you kill them all. Be bould don't kill them all. Berlin wall was the loc in Germany that was also crushed to rubble after some 60 years of its erection as it separated the people of the same families of germans.They took brave decision for the future of their next generations peace. India can also prove to be a society of educated people and allow kashmiris right of self dertmination, vote of democracy, for the peaceful future of the next generations of south east asia. Wars are no solution.

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Critic

Oct 25, 2016 01:25am

If Pakistan doesnt attend HA its big loss for itself. That fact is so obvious and this move by Sartaj is rather the only optoon he has than being called as a smart move

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Jally Fellow

Oct 25, 2016 01:31am

Sooner or later India and Pakistan will have to settle for the LOC to become a permanent border. It is not advisable, but Kashmiri people want to migrate to other side, there should be a one time settlement for people who can choose which country they want to belong. Once this is settled, then focus on trade and economic development. That is only peaceful way for a bright future for both Pakistan and India.

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Akhtar

Oct 25, 2016 01:37am

Interacting with India is a waste of time. It is like speaking to a brick wall.

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Oct 25, 2016 02:13am

@OneHumanity I agreed with your point but if they do so how they will win the election ?

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Mike

Oct 25, 2016 02:24am

Mr Aziz have you ask Indians whether they want our participation in the conference being held on their soil. What if they do not give you visa which is just possible? Would you call that a diplomatic win? I feel being a self respecting nation we should not have anything to do with India in the current circumstances.

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Mike

Oct 25, 2016 02:28am

@OneHumanity Nothing exciting in your suggestion. The only solution that can bring peace between the two neighbours will be one that is mutually acceptable to all parties including the Kashmiris. Pakistan should never accept status quo!

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farjee

Oct 25, 2016 02:28am

@OneHumanity good solution I second it

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Qamer

Oct 25, 2016 02:48am

@OneHumanity, do you represent people of Kashmir, they have right to self determination. How about UN resolutions.

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sandy

Oct 25, 2016 03:05am

Seriously, Mr. Aziz..on the contrary the OIC declaration had no mention of Kashmir..Had it been, your media would have gone to town with that..On the other side @OneHumanity has an excellent and most viable solution. Nobody is going to give up the Kashmir that they occupy. So, why don't we take the LOC as the international border and end this 70 year dispute..

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KING

Oct 25, 2016 03:07am

Can you please mention those 56 countries ?

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Ahsan

Oct 25, 2016 03:19am

In my opinion, maintaining normal diplomacy with India is advisable in all circumstances. They are our neighbor.But at the same time we should not trust them and be aware of their nefarious activities.

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Madan

Oct 25, 2016 03:37am

This is a courageous act and must be admired.

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kashmiri

Oct 25, 2016 03:38am

@OneHumanity I rather hope that Mr. Modi will advise Mr. Aziz that both India and Pakistan must remove their armies from the LOC and unite Kashmiris on both sides instead of dividing Kashmir as if it is cake (One piece to India and one to Pakistan- enjoy buddy). Most of intellectuals in India and Pakistan know that it is better to give whole Kashmir freedom with road open from both India and Pakistan. This will bring peace and prosperity in the region.

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Treehuggar

Oct 25, 2016 03:48am

@OneHumanity "Neither India nor Pakistan is going to give an inch of Kashimr; nor will they accept an independent Kashimr" Pakistan wants Kashmir ONLY if the people of Kashmir want to join us that is the difference between you and us. You package Pakistan with India just to some how say Pakistan don't want a solution either. We are not the the ones killing people day and night to keep occupation. If they choose an independent country, we will hand over the part we have, wish them well and move on, same if they choose India. We have much high morals, we are not on the level you are....

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Shridhar Subrahmanyam

Oct 25, 2016 04:00am

@OneHumanity Could not agree with you more. Stop the attacks, make the Line of Control a soft border, allow free passage for Kashmiris to travel between two parts and emphasise education, development and progress. The territories on either side will not change hands for the next century!

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singh

Oct 25, 2016 04:04am

Good thinking from Pakistan side. Now India and Pakistan must sit together and solve all problems including Kashmir once for all , honestly. If Kashmiris want freedom, they should be given it, but with joint control of India and Pakistan till conditions are suitable .

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artificialman

Oct 25, 2016 04:16am

oh ya.. better attend november 2nd islamabad bund.

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AXH

Oct 25, 2016 04:26am

@OneHumanity - What are you talking about? The occupied Kashmir has been a disputed border for the past 65+ years and the world had recognized it back then.

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Atsul

Oct 25, 2016 04:56am

You PML guys have no respect for yourself or for your country.

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Anwar Saeed. Saint Louis, Missouri. USA

Oct 25, 2016 05:22am

Pakistan need a better adviser then Sartaj Aziz. He need to retire and let some one else take his place for better job. I know he is very loyal to Nawaz family and he has held many different posts in the past. Pakistan has many experienced, talented and young people to become adviser to the PM. PM needed more good adviser, really good and sincere.

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H Ather

Oct 25, 2016 05:33am

It is surprising that Pakistan continue to attend meetings in India while the later continue to undermine our international overtures the most recent example of SAARC meeting. They even refuse to participate in sports. In an international community reciprocity in relationship is a matter of national pride. We have taken no time in accepting the invitation, Surprising!

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Zak

Oct 25, 2016 05:34am

Bad move, we should boycott it and urge other nations to follow suit

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Ahmed

Oct 25, 2016 05:39am

@OneHumanity After all, we are part of the same Indus Valley cultural heritage now separated by religion. People should recognize this and mend relations on both sides.

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Mike London

Oct 25, 2016 05:59am

Finally a ray of hope.

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JARB

Oct 25, 2016 06:01am

Indians will definitely extend warm hospitality.

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Good Guy

Oct 25, 2016 06:12am

If you want to come then you are welcome and will get due invitation.

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SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan

Oct 25, 2016 06:18am

@OneHumanity : What authority does Mr. Aziz have and who is listening? International forums are different and Pakistani diplomats don't know what to do because they are always thinking about their own jobs/bank accounts.

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Sachin

Oct 25, 2016 07:35am

Very welcome and you will receive the warmest and best Indian hospitality

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Sachin

Oct 25, 2016 07:36am

China as well other powers are exploiting the fight between two brothers India and Pakistan.

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sunny

Oct 25, 2016 07:46am

Pakistan should take revenge of SARRC from India and should boycott all events held in the future in India.

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Pindy

Oct 25, 2016 07:48am

@imtiaz syed wow ! Diplomatic win , how about sincere efforts to improve relations.

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javed

Oct 25, 2016 08:13am

@Zak which nation with u Mr Zak till date no one except China bcoz China has economic benefits in pakistan

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MKMC

Oct 25, 2016 08:16am

you think the invite is still open ?

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Dinesh

Oct 25, 2016 08:23am

"Aziz added that 56 countries condemned India’s heavy handed tactics in India-held Kashmir during a conference in Tashkent last week." Can you show the statement/declarations from OIC statement? OIC has skipped to mention Kashmir in their declaration. Please don't misguide. Gulf countries knows well where their interest is.

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whats in a name

Oct 25, 2016 08:36am

@imtiaz syed Really ? He will have to face further embarrassment. Please let ur minister attend.

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POLITY

Oct 25, 2016 09:06am

@OneHumanity : accepting theft doesn't guarantee peace.

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Rationalist

Oct 25, 2016 09:28am

Shameful decision especially after India got SAARC event cancelled by boycotting it....Pakistan betraying Kashmir?

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Swetha

Oct 25, 2016 09:43am

@Onehumanity I second you. We can focus on development first and then talk about others.Trade will help both countries.

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Anir

Oct 25, 2016 09:49am

There is another side to all these events. It looks like there is no end to conferences. Poor and common man keep suffering everywhere, and their problems rarely solved. But important people create conferences on tax payers money and keep meeting each other in luxury hotels.

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Aawara

Oct 25, 2016 09:51am

We are least interested to well-come you... But still you want to join no one can stop you..its totally your wish.

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Aawara

Oct 25, 2016 09:54am

@MYRESPONSE : We along with few other countries Boycott SAARC....why not you also give a try for the same scenario. Lets see the depth of diplomacy of your ruling party.

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Indian Concern

Oct 25, 2016 10:10am

To save Pakistan from global isolation, they decided to go India. Good but compelled decision

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sangun

Oct 25, 2016 10:12am

Time to avenge Rajnath Singhs insult

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angry

Oct 25, 2016 10:35am

We have already heard whatever you have to say and not interested in more of the same thing. So please do the rest of the nations a favour and stay at home. Without you I am sure this conference will be more productive.

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Indian Concern

Oct 25, 2016 10:50am

@sunny It would further complicate the situation and also you are not in the position to boycott the conference.

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M.Mudassir Siddiqui

Oct 25, 2016 11:00am

High Deplorable decision...These things bound to happen when we have made in "Panama Prime minister"

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Beyond Border

Oct 25, 2016 11:09am

Mr Aziz, kindly reconsider your decision. Please remember the conference is also co-hosted by Afghanistan and you don't have good terms with both countries.

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Ishfaq bughio

Oct 25, 2016 11:33am

Goood decision and hope so that pakistan will highlight kashmir, LoC and indian support of terrorism like G.Yadev ( serving officer captured in pak), pakistan's presence will make india huge uncomfortable.

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Oct 25, 2016 11:54am

Bettet to cancel this meeting. It will not serve any purpose

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Dev

Oct 25, 2016 12:20pm

@Qamer None exist now, the said resolution got into history in 2010.

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Pune-India

Oct 25, 2016 12:21pm

@Zak: Who will listen to you....?? China?? China is not in SAARC

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Pakistani

Oct 25, 2016 12:26pm

Pakistani leaders should have some self respect, if not for themselves but for Pakistan!!

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true minds

Oct 25, 2016 12:38pm

@Zak Respect your patriotism.But be sense ful.You have option not to come,but who else will follow??

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Podmari

Oct 25, 2016 12:53pm

Sartaj aziz is going because it want to fight the isolation and nothing else. His speech will be interesting, if given a chance

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ali

Oct 25, 2016 12:55pm

They are not welcomed in india

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Neutral

Oct 25, 2016 01:55pm

@JOHN FAWAD, in a same way we did it in 1947. Wall was created and family was separated that was the need of time and so does the current situation demand for this two nation live peacefully so that they can focus towards human development

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Paul

Oct 25, 2016 02:33pm

@Zak good luck! You don't think that was thought of? Only after realizing the zero clout Pakistan have with others the decision was made to be there!

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RAHUL

Oct 25, 2016 02:41pm

Sometimes it is required to step beyond politics and public opinion and do the right thing.

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NPS

Oct 25, 2016 02:42pm

By the way, there was no any mention regarding Kashmir on the end communication of the OIC . Only Mr. Sartaj knows the truth!

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Nikhil_Indian

Oct 25, 2016 03:26pm

@John Fawad. EU is an union or membership, not a state or country. Even d UK is made up of the countries England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Think of the 50 states of the United States, while each state has their own set of laws, they all are still under the power of the federal government. In the case of the UK, it is somewhat similar, each country have gained a degree of autonomy. So, if u compare to leave a membership of EU through referendum with kashmir is very dissimilar. Here non of the any country losing their land.

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D.K. PAMNANI

Oct 26, 2016 01:54pm

He is most welcome. Let us talk for peace and humanity and solve the problem of terrorism and cross border firing in which many people have died/injured on both the sides. Hope he will assist in solving the problem.

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Masoud

Oct 26, 2016 03:09pm

I don't understand the foreign policy of Pakistan, Do the policy makers have any self respect. While India has forced cancel SARC meeting in Pakistan, Nawaz government is all bent upon to please Modi government. Shame is a small word to describe one way initiative for co operation.

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Muhammed Anwar

Oct 26, 2016 03:56pm

No need to go there. Why do you want to go there?

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Auginpk

Oct 26, 2016 04:01pm

Most welcome.

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Abdul Awaal

Oct 26, 2016 04:45pm

Hmm, Kashmir issue resolved in accordance with UN resolutions & wishes of Kashmiris ?

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pervaiz iqbal

Oct 26, 2016 05:01pm

Why are we so eager and ready to go to India when that country is heaping all sorts of ignominies on Pakistan and has already boycotted SAARC Conference (which was to be held in Pakistan) and sporting matches with us? Don't tell me its because of our bigheartedness.

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pervaiz iqbal

Oct 26, 2016 05:28pm

@One Humanity Both India and Pakistan need an enemy to pin all their domestic failures and incompetencies on. The Kashmir issue provides both with an enduring alibi. So, my dear One Humanity, Kashmir will forever remain a festering sore and the poor Kashmiris will continue to pay the price for their unenviable position.

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PAKISTAN FIRST

Oct 26, 2016 06:37pm

@Andy L : Invest in Army is necessary to keep India at bay and to let them know we will defend every inch of our land. We have more inventions coming out of Pakistan than India. Only thing is Pakistan need a true leader like Musharraf who dare to challenge on every front diplomatically.

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PAKISTAN FIRST

Oct 26, 2016 06:39pm

@kashmiri : I agree it is the only viable solution to Kashmir and it is the time that Pakistan and India must realise that. No reason to rape and kill innocent people in Kashmir.

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ramani

Oct 26, 2016 06:46pm

@OneHumanity it is up to the kashmiri people to decide their own fate, not you nor india and pakistan.

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suvhasis mukhopadhyay

Oct 26, 2016 06:53pm

@ECHS Good one !! Agreed. That is what is happening.

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Sardar Suri

Oct 26, 2016 07:59pm

Welcome to India.

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ali

Oct 26, 2016 08:11pm

why???

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Aftab

Oct 27, 2016 12:13am

No matter what India says we emerge as a victor at the end..

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pathanoo

Oct 27, 2016 12:18am

GOOD.

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Tiger Pride

Oct 27, 2016 03:53am

Is Sartaz Aziz invited?

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Zak

Oct 27, 2016 08:37am

Good. Now you will be able to drum some sense in the heads of indians, to stop exporting terrorism and sit to resolve kashmir.

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