Pak PM calls for dialogue to resolve Kashmir issue
Islamabad, Oct 22: Condemning the killings of innocent Kashmiris at the hands of Indian forces, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said India should move to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue.
His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of south Kashmir. Another civilian injured in the blast succumbed today.
“Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris….by Indian security forces,” Khan tweeted.
“It is time India realise it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UNSC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people,” he said.
Three militants were killed Sunday in an encounter with government forces in Kulgam district, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there; another civilian succumbed to injuries today .
It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir.
In September, New Delhi called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps “glorifying” slain Hizbul Mujahideen militants Burhan Wani.
In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan’s ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the “core issue” of Kashmir, through talks.
He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region.
