Received PM Modi’s message on peace, cooperation: Imran

NEWDELHI: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday he had received a message from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the eve of Pakistan Day that spoke of the two sides working together for a peaceful region in an atmosphere “free of terror”.

In a late night tweet, Khan said the message from Modi had said: “I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.”

People familiar with developments in New Delhi described Modi’s message as a customary message sent to heads of government or state on national days and noted that the focus was on terrorism.

Khan responded to Modi’s message by tweeting that the time had come “to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity”.

Addressing the Pakistan Day reception in New Delhi, Pakistani envoy Sohail Mahmood said diplomacy and dialogue are essential for mutual understanding and resolving issues such as Kashmir.

The developments came against the backdrop of the tensions created by the Pulwama terror attack claimed by the Jaish-emohammed, and India’s retaliatory air strike on a JEM facility within Pakistan.

Mahmood noted the two sides had “passed through a very difficult time recently” but had also taken “steps in a positive direction”, such as Khan’s decision to release captured Indian pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the return of the two high commissioners to their respective missions and bilateral meetings to develop modalities for Kartarpur Corridor.

“There is still the need to reassure citizens in both countries, to consolidate process of de-escalation,” he said.