Diplomatic row deepens

CORRESPONDENT

In the wake of Thursday’s attack in Pulwama district of Indian-administered Kashmir, the diplomatic row between the two countries has deepened, prompting the foreign ministries of Pakistan and India to summon each others’ envoys and register strong protests.

Pakistan Foreign Office has cautioned the Indian government against any “misadventure” and urged the Indian side to share evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the suicide attack. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is in Munich to attend a security conference, in a video message said he was saddened by India’s “kneejerk reaction”, levelling allegations without sharing any proof or evidence against Pakistan. He said the agenda given by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his foreign office to diplomatically isolate Pakistan is a dream that will never come true.

Constructive approach

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua held a meeting with the envoys of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council — United States, Russia, China, France and United Kingdom — and explained Pakistan’s position.

Sponsoring violence or terrorism is not Pakistan’s foreign policy, she said.

The meeting came hours after India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale on Friday met at least two dozen envoys in New Delhi, including those from the five permanent members of the UNSC.

The Pakistan foreign secretary said her country pursued a constructive approach towards India, and Pakistan’s offer of dialogue and “Kartarpur initiative are a clear evidence of this”.