Resolving Issues Like J&K Imperative for Peace: Imran Khan to Modi

Khan’s letter came in response to that of PM Narendra Modi, sent on Tuesday, 23 March,

File photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan. 

(Photo: PTI/Altered by The Quint)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday, 29 March, wrote to his Indian counterpart PM Narendra Modi, stressing on the importance of creating an “enabling environment” for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries.

Khan’s letter came in response to that of PM Modi, sent on Tuesday, 23 March, to extend greetings on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

What Did the Pak PM Write?

Thanking PM Modi for his letter, Khan, as per PTI, said that the people of Pakistan also desire peaceful cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India.

“We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.”   

Pakistan PM Imran Khan   

Further, the Pakistan PM pointed out that creation of an "enabling environment is imperative for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue."

He also wished India best in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic.

PM Modi’s Letter

Prime Minister Modi, in a letter to Khan on Tuesday, had said that India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but in an atmosphere ‘devoid of terror and hostility,’ reported news agency PTI.

The letter, which the government maintained is a routine exercise, was written on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

“As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative,” he wrote in the letter, reported PTI.

The letter also called COVID-19 a “difficult time for humanity,” and conveyed Modi’s best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan “for dealing with the challenges” of the pandemic.

A separate letter was reportedly sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.

(With inputs from PTI)