Betrayal to Kashmiris: Pak PM on normalising relations with India

Islamabad: While speculations were rife that the relationship between India and neighboring Pakistan will improve as both the countries have been battling with the brutal Covid wave and have been extending a helping hand but Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that bilateral ties with India cannot return to normal under the present circumstances.

Pakistan PM said, "it would be a major betrayal to the people of Kashmir if Pakistan decided to normalise relations with India under the current circumstances."

Imran Khan made the statement while responding to a question in a live tele-chat dubbed “Prime Minister on Call with You", as quoted by Pakistan daily Dawn.

"I tried since the first day after coming into power that we have [friendly] relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is resolved through dialogue but [considering] the situation right now, if we normalise relations with India at this time we will be doing a major betrayal with the people of Kashmir," Imran Khan said.

Khan said that if India takes back the steps it took on August 5, "then we can definitely hold talks".

Pakistan had downgraded its diplomatic relations with India and then suspended bilateral trade after the PM Modi government revoked the Article 370 and  35 (A) from Jammu and Kashmir to bring development in the state.

Pakistan had been demanding to reinstate the special status of Kashmir but India has been firm in its stand reiterating that no other country should interfere in India's internal matters. 

Imran Khan even acknowledged that restoration of trade links with India would immensely benefit Pakistan’s economy. 

India has repeatedly said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and the country is capable of solving its own problems.

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility

Since 1947, the Jammu and Kashmir dispute continues to be the core outstanding issue between Pakistan and India, awaiting settlement.

However, lately, there has been some improvement when the two countries agreed in February to restore peace on the Line of Control. It is said that the rival officials have been interacting through the back channel diplomacy to ease tension.