Aug 01 , 2015
News
Bad time for Indian RAW starts soon : Adviser to PM pledges to raise RAW’s interference in FATA and Balochistan with UN
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the National Assembly on Friday that the government is considering to raise the issue of Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing’s involvement in Pakistan with the United Nations and other international forums. Answering questions in the Lower House, Aziz said Pakistan has taken up the issue of RAW’s activities in Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with various foreign leaders and with India bilaterally and has utilised media to expose Indian involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. He said during the foreign secretary-level talks held in March, the foreign secretary had raised the issue of RAW’s activities in Pakistan with his Indian counterpart, adding that Nawaz Sharif would also raise the issue at the General Assembly later this year. “Whenever we hold talks with India these days, we always mention that we have concerns about your interference. During the meeting of the two NSAs (national security advisors) in the coming days, we will be also talking about this. I believe that when the Prime Minister (Nawaz Sharif) goes to the General Assembly, he will also take up this issue there,” Aziz said. To a supplementary question, he said Pakistan had already condemned the recent terrorism incident that took place in India’s Gurdaspur, and rejected Indian allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in it. He said it has also been made clear that Pakistan has the capability to give befitting reply, in case of any threat from Indian side. “Yesterday, we gave a detailed statement on this issue in which the Indian allegations were rejected. It was also reiterated that if any threat or any such intention comes forth from that side (India), Pakistan has the full capability to defence itself, and to give them a befitting reply,” Aziz said. Aziz said Pakistan remains committed to a just and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. In a written reply to PTI lawmaker Shireen Mazari’s question regarding the government’s Kashmir policy and how it is being operationalised, he said, Pakistan’s principled position on the Kashmir dispute is based on historical facts and in line with the UN Security Council resolutions. He said the UN resolutions provide for the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people of Kashmir, to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations. He said Pakistan has always upheld this position, adding that Pakistan is pursuing a steadfast policy of extending political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of Kashmir in their just struggle for their right to self-determination. The OIC has been supportive of the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Security Council resolutions, he added. Aziz said Pakistan supported engagement with India in a constructive and purposeful dialogue to resolve the issue. However, “We consider Kashmiris as important stakeholders. We firmly believe that for a durable solution of the Kashmir dispute, Kashmiris should be associated with the dialogue process.” He added Pakistanis and the Kashmiri diaspora abroad play an important role in promoting the Kashmir cause. To another question about the policy to advance Pakistan’s membership case for the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) along with the results achieved there from, the advisor said, the Foreign Affairs Ministry and all its diplomatic missions accredited to 48 NSG members have continued to actively lobby with NSG member states and brief them about Pakistan’s strong credentials for NSG membership. “We highlight that NSG should follow an objective, equitable and non-discriminatory approach while taking a decision to admit new members,” he added. He said Pakistan would continue to actively plead its case for NSG membership at every available forum high-level meetings, bilateral consultations and in the sideline meetings at the international conferences.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk