Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated today that Pakistan desires cordial relations with all its neighbors, including India, and aims to resolve disputes through dialogue. Her remarks came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third consecutive term oath-taking ceremony.
The National Democratic Alliance, led by PM Modi, secured 293 seats in the Lok Sabha polls, poised to form a government for a record third term.
When questioned about Pakistan’s congratulatory message to PM Modi on his electoral victory, Ms. Baloch emphasized that it’s the prerogative of Indian citizens to determine their leadership. She refrained from commenting on India’s electoral process, citing the premature nature of discussing congratulatory messages before the new government’s official swearing-in.
Regarding Indo-Pak relations, Ms. Baloch underscored Pakistan’s commitment to resolving disputes with India through constructive dialogue. She highlighted Pakistan’s consistent advocacy for engagement to address all outstanding issues, including the core Jammu & Kashmir dispute.
India has consistently expressed its willingness for amicable relations with Pakistan, conditioning engagement on Islamabad’s efforts to eradicate terrorism and hostility. Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reiterated India’s stance, emphasizing the need for terrorism to be central to any dialogue with Pakistan.
“We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about … If some guy has that many terrorist camps … that should be the central part of the conversation,” he stated.
