Pakistan High Comm-issioner Abdul Basit said his Government is keen to have normal ties with India on the basis of mutual respect and interest. Speaking on the occasion of 76th anniversary of Pakistan Day on Wednesday he also called for resolution of all outstanding issues, including the Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and prosperity.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar was the guest of honour at the event.
"Pakistan wants to have a normal relationship with India on the basis of mutual respect and mutual interest. This was necessary not only for promoting bilateral cooperative relations but also regional integration. It was also necessary to resolve all our problems, especially the Jammu & Kashmir dispute so as to put our relations on the irreversible trajectory of peace and prosperity," Basit said. The High Commissioner added cooperative relations were also needed to address many common challenges including climate change and poverty.
Basit mentioned China Pakistan economic corridor very important for Pakistan as it aspires to be regional hub.
The reception held at the Pak High Commission was also attended by, Kashmiri seperatists leaders like SAS Geelani and Umar Mirwaiz. Several politicians cutting across party lines were also present. Pakistan Women’s cricket team also attended the reception. Defending the invitation to Hurriyat Conference leaders for the Pakistan Day celebrations, Basit said, "They have been attending the reception for years and Pakistan did not see any issue in it."
Basit also condemned Brussels explosions and said there can’t be any justification for actions of terrorists. Talking about the upcoming Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, Basit said Pakistan being a nuclear power has an important role to play and expressed the hope that international community will work together and ensure nuclear security in all its aspects and without any discrimination.
He described the proposed visit of a five-member investigation team of Pakistan to probe the Pathankot terror attack as a positive development and hoped they will be able to do their work productively.