PM Imran writes to Modi, seeks resumption of Pak-India talks: report

PM Imran writes to Modi, seeks resumption of Pak-India talks: report

New Delhi (Agencies): Prime Minister Imran Khan has written a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and sought resumption of the peace dialogue between the two countries.

According to Indian media, PM Imran Khan in his letter called for a meeting between Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York scheduled later this month.

He urged that the two foreign ministers should initiate the resumption of dialogue and meet on the sidelines of UNGA.

As per the report, PM Imran's letter has been written in response to the Indian PM Narendra Modi who congratulated Khan for assuming office.

The Indian PM, in his letter written on August 20, had called for a “meaningful and constructive” engagement between the two countries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in his letter acknowledged that the relations between both the countries face several challenges but that Pakistan is ready for talks on all issues, including terrorism.

The PM stressed the need for resolution of all major outstanding issues through including Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachen, through dialogue.

The PM urged that the two neighbours should to take measures for the peace and betterment of their nations as well as the future generations.

On July 31, Modi had also telephoned PM Imran and congratulated him over his victory in the general elections. During the conversation, PM Modi said that India was ready to enter a new era of relations with Pakistan.

He expressed the hope that democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan and reiterated his vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his first speech after winning the general election, had said that he was keen to improve relations with India and wanted work to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.

This is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and India have not been engaged in any significant dialogue since 2015.