New Delhi’s expansionist designs are the main hurdle in constructive relations between the two neighbours, said the new Pakistani PM, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. He is a Pakistani engineer and politician who has served as Prime Minister of Pakistan since August 2017. He has blamed India for the standoff in the bilateral ties.
Addressing the nation on its 70th Independence Day, Abbasi said Pakistan desires positive and constructive relations with all countries based on sovereign equality.
India-Pakistan ties nosedived after a series of attacks last year carried out by the Pakistan-based terror outfits. Following the attacks, India has boycotted the SAARC Summit, which was scheduled to be held in November last in Pakistan.
The independence day event was attended by Chinese Vice Premier, Wang Yang, where Abbasi said that China and Pakistan have “always stood by each other through difficult times and their friendship will stand the test of time and grow with coming generations.” He called on the international community to “play its role” in resolving regional conflicts, “particularly the Kashmir dispute” between India and Pakistan in conformity with the UN resolutions to ensure durable peace in the region. He termed terrorism as the biggest challenge confronting the world in the 21st century and highlighted Pakistan’s “unparalleled sacrifices” in the fight against this menace.
He said it is time to forget “personal grievances” and stand by the Constitution, apparently referring to Sharif’s ouster as prime minister and his charge that his removal was “pre-planned”.
The day began with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital Islamabad along with a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals to mark the official Independence Day celebrations. Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa hoisted a huge national flag at the Attari-Wagah border with India soon after midnight, kicking off the day-long celebration.