Pakistan PM says trade with India cannot resume without resolution of Kashmir dispute

Caretaker Pakistan Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has said that trade ties between Islamabad and New Delhi cannot be restored until the resolution of Kashmir dispute, adding his country would act as a “willing partner” in case India moves to resolve the longstanding issue.

In an interview with a private TV channel televised on Sunday night, Kakar said trade between the two neighboring arch-rivals could not be restored under the current circumstances.

“Kashmir is at the core, but when we say Kashmir is at the core, it does not mean that we want to keep fighting with India all the time,” the Pakistan prime minister said.

“We want it to happen in a peaceful manner, but God forbid, if somewhere peace is denied a chance and the entire South Asia, which concerns global peace, is pushed towards a situation where peace is absent, then I think this would be a moment of concern for Pakistan, India and the world.”

He said Pakistan would play the role of a “willing partner,” if India acted democratically on Kashmir.

“As a largest democracy… I would wish and pray that from largest it morphs into a great democracy of the world. So, this journey from large to great, this decision has to be made by Indian polity, Indian consciousness, Indian civil society, their intelligentsia,” Kakar said.

“And perhaps the world would find Pakistan a responsible and willing partner in that. There would be no generation of negative energy from within Pakistan.”

The Pakistan premier, however, said the possibility of India becoming part of a “new strategic design” against Pakistan would create difficulties for New Delhi.