In a disclosure on controversy involving whereabouts of most wanted terrorist Daud Ibrahim, Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit remarked that he is not in Pakistan. He was addressing the press conference at U.P. Press Club in lucknow on Monday.
The High Commissioner was replying to a question related to the issue of Daud Ibrahim with the recent remarks of Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Basit replied, “He is not in Pakistan.”
India and Pakistan cricket boards have finalised a cricket series in december this year. On being asked about the utility of the cricket series, Pak envoy said, “Intangibles cannot have immediate effect. Similar to diplomatic ties, sporting ties are important too. Small things are helpful as misunderstandings diminish when people come closer to interact. People want to see them playing in a healthy competition.”
Citing the example of a show on new entertainment channel whose plot is based in Pakistan, he looked for better ties between the two neighbouring nations. “Pakistan and India have difficult ties. They need to go a long way. These small things are certainly helpful.”
On the issue of release of Hafiz Saeed, the wanted terrorist in Mumbai attacks, the Pak High Commissioner said, “Violence has impacted Pakistan highly. After 9/11, 50,000 people and 6000 security personnel have lost their lives. World Bank report says that in 11 years Pakistan has faced an economic loss of $101(arab). Honest being killed cannot be justified. Seven people were arrested in 2008 and are under trial. Pakistan and India are democracies so due respect should be given to law. Hafiz is out on bail but the trial continues.”
Maintaining silence on the further issue, he said that courts should take there own course. “The matter is subjudice and Pak has considered Indian evidences. Its better not ot comment on this now,” he added.
On the burning issue of bilateral talks that are put on hold by India, he said that Pakistan is waiting for the talks to resume. “Composite dialogue on 8 issues includes Kashmir, security, peace, culture, climate, Siachen etc are to be discussed once the talks are resumed.” He added that Pakistan does not block the talks by breaking ceasefire agreement and whatever solution comes, it should be acceptable to the people of Kashmir.
He refuted the allegation that cross border firing begins just at the time when talks are resumed and said, “It is just a view point. Pak forces are involved in the western border. Opening two fronts at the same time is not justified.”
Basit met the Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav before the conference. He had invited the CM to Pak and looks enthused by the hospitality he received in lucknow. “lucknow has a magnetic appeal. It is delighted to be here in lucknow,” he said, “lucknow has a prominent position in the subcontinent, having its own culture and Tehzeeb.”