Pakistan has said it was hoping for “re-engagement” with India after the Lok Sabha polls, noting that structured dialogue would enable the two countries to understand mutual concerns, resolve outstanding disputes and build the edifice of durable peace and security in the region.
In an interview to PTI, Pakistan’s outgoing HighCommissioner Sohail Mahmood said diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable toimprove ties between the two neighbours.
“We hope for re-engagement after the elections inIndia. Diplomacy and dialogue are indispensable,” he said.
Tensions between the two countries worsened after thePulwama attack and both the countries were almost on the brink of a war afterIndia’s military planes struck a JeM training camp in Pakistan’s Balakot onFebruary 26 and Pakistan carried out a counter-offensive the following day.
Mahmood, who has been appointed as Pakistan’s next ForeignSecretary said dialogue between India and Pakistan was the only option tounderstand mutual concerns and ensure peace, prosperity and security in theregion.
“Sustained engagement and structured dialogue wouldenable the two countries to understand mutual concerns and differences, resolveoutstanding disputes and build the edifice of durable peace, security andprosperity in the region,” Mahmood said.
He also said that there was a need to review the narrativeabout Pakistan in India. “We must strive for stable peace, equal securityand shared prosperity for ourselves and the region,” the envoy added.
Asked about the Kartarpur corridor project, the Pakistani High Commissioner said Islamabad was committed to completing the physical infrastructure on its side.