We Are Ready To Talk On Terrorism: PM Imran On Pulwama Attack

Says in case of an Indian attack, Pakistan will not ‘think of’ retaliating, it ‘will retaliate’

Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19th February, 2019) Prime Minister Imran Khan has responded to the Indian allegations of Pakistan being behind the Pulwama attack in Kashmir in a televised speech today.

Addressing the nation, the prime minister said, “We had an important visit from Saudi Arabia. The attention would have diverted from the crown prince’s visit if I had talked about it earlier.”

“If Pakistan was holding such an important conference, not a stupid person would conduct such an incident to sabotage it. How would have the attack benefited Pakistan? ” he said.

“We have had a war on terror. Now that the terrorism is being curbed, why would we do such a thing?” he asked.

Addressing India, he said, “If you want to remain stuck in the past and blame Pakistan for anything in Kashmir, we can’t move forward.”

“This is Naya Pakistan. It is in our interest neither to do terrorism in any other country nor allow any such activity in our own country,” the prime minister said.

“If there is evidence against us, I guarantee that we will take action. If someone is using Pakistan’s soil for terrorism, it is against our interests,” he said.

As India imposes a pre-condition for dialogue, he said, “We are ready to talk on terrorism. We want to make the region free of terrorism. We want peace.”

“We need India to do introspection. Kashmir’s youth has reached a point where they don’t fear death anymore. Oppression has never been successful in Kashmir. How can it in the future?” he said.

“Second, which law allows a country to become a judge or jury? We understand it’s your election year, this anti-Pakistan rhetoric will benefit you.”

In case of an Indian attack, Pakistan will not ‘think of’ retaliating, it ‘will retaliate’, he said, adding that this will lead to a never ending war.

“I hope better sense prevails. The issue can be resolved only through dialogue,” the prime minister concluded.