ISLAMABAD – Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan on Thursday held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact.
The two sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate.
“In the interest of achieving mutually-beneficial and sustainable peace, the two DGs MO agreed to address each other’s core issues / concerns which have propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.”
According to the ISPR directorate, both the sides agreed for strict observance of all the agreements, understandings and ceasefire along the LoC and all other sectors, with effect from midnight 24-25 February 2021. Both the sides reiterated that the existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilized to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi yesterday said that ceasefire between Pakistan and India along the Line of Control was the most important agreement between Pakistan and India.
Foreign Minister Qureshi welcomed the agreement of strict observance of the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India along the Line of Control and other sectors.
“It is a positive omen. India should strictly follow the ceasefire agreement. Pakistan has been highlighting the ceasefire violations at all international forums from the Indian side, which has claimed the lives of many innocent people. It is a positive development if India sticks to it,” he said in a statement.
Separately, speaking to the Special Representative of Afghan President Muhammad Umar Daudzai here yesterday, Foreign Minister Qureshi said the establishment of peace in Afghanistan was indispensable for peace in Pakistan and entire region.
Ceasefire most vital accord between Pakistan, India: FM
During the meeting, Intra-Afghan dialogue, regional situation and matters of mutual interest came under discussion, said a foreign ministry statement.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan’s foreign policy was very successful and Islamabad wanted political solution to the Afghan issue through comprehensive dialogue process. He said Pakistan in its efforts as shared responsibility will continue to play a conciliatory role.
Expressing concern of Pakistan over violence incidents in Afghanistan, Qureshi emphasized the need that all parties should play role in furthering the process of negotiations while reducing the violence.
He said after restoration of peace in Afghanistan, Pakistan will continue its role for re-building and development of the war-torn country.
The Special Representative of Afghan President Muhammad Umar Daudzai thanked Pakistan for its reconciliatory efforts in peace process.
In another statement, FM Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Sri Lanka was aimed at further fortifying the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and transforming them into economic partnership.
He said Pakistan was committed to enhance bilateral trade volume with Sri Lanka to one billion dollars.
The FM said two sides discussed to further activate the Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Minister added: “We have decided to grant more scholarships to Sri Lankan students to get admissions in the educational institutions of Pakistan.”
He said that Sri Lanka also acknowledges Pakistan’s assistance to deal with the scourge of terrorism.
Meanwhile, speaking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Cairo Sajid Bilal here, FM Qureshi expressed hope that the bilateral relations will get further strengthened during his term as Ambassador. He said the economic ties between Pakistan and Egypt were growing.
The minister gave directions to the Ambassador-designate about Pakistan’s diplomatic priorities, including economic diplomacy, said a foreign ministry statement.
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