ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will work for good relations with India and Afghanistan, Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Ahmad told the National Assembly today [July 18]. He was winding up a debate on the Opposition’s adjournment motion to discuss the situation arising from the massing of Indian and Afghan troops on Pakistan’s borders. …

Mr Aziz said in spite of India’s May 18 nuclear blast, Pakistan was prepared to resume dialogue with India, provided certain assurances were given to it. These include giving purport of her nuclear explosion, her reaffirmation to the commitment under the Simla Agreement not to resolve disputes … through use or threat of force and her commitment to the territorial integrity and independence of Pakistan.

With Afghanistan, he said, Pakistan would continue to work for friendly and brotherly ties. We must have good relations with Afg­h­a­nistan. It is our close neighbour ... closer than Iran. … Regarding the allegation that Pakis­tan was crying wolf, Mr Ahmad said: “We have concrete evidence that there have been troop movements on our borders. But … we have not come to a definite conclusion as to the purpose behind these moves.”

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2024