Governor Punjab Ch Mohammad Sarwar wrote letters to Britain and European Parliamentarians to encourage them to play their role in de-escalation of confrontation between Pakistan and India. He also informed them about war hysteria of India. He called upon them to play their role in eradicating war hysteria of India. Governor Punjab Mohammad Sarwar wrote this letter on Sunday. Ch Mohammad Sarwar said that ‘I am writing to you at this critical stage in Pakistan and India’s relationship where tensions between the two countries, post the Pulwama incidence have escalated. As you may be aware, Indian Military Aircraft crossed Pakistan’s borders twice and during the second intrusion two Indian fighter planes were shot down and a pilot was captured by Pakistan. As a goodwill gesture and to de-escalate the situation, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan ordered release of the captured Indian pilot. However, India has continued to escalate tensions at the Line of Control’. Mohammad Sarwar wrote that despite Indian aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, PM Imran Khan has been calling for peace and making it clear that India’s attempts to spread regional unrest are a result of its internal politics and PM Narendra Modi’s campaign to win the upcoming General elections.
Seeking their role in de-escalation, he assured the members that Pakistan wants peace and dialogue on all outstanding issues with India
Ch Mohammad Sarwar wrote that ‘Let me assure you that Pakistan’s offer of investigations into the Pulwama incident if India provided any actionable evidence is still on the table. Pakistan’s desire for de-escalation and peace should not be misconstrued as its weakness. Pakistan has developed a comprehensive National Action Plan to deal with the threat from terrorism’. Governor wrote, as a former member of the British parliament, I know that the British government and our European Union partners have always played a key role in addressing international issues. Britain and EU can play a pivotal role between Pakistan, India and Kashmir. The situation in Kashmir does not seem to be abating. Kashmir’s struggle for self-determination needs to be resolved as per the United Nations Resolution. He feared that both countries possess nuclear capabilities and any further escalation can destabilize the whole region with catastrophic loss of life. We know from the past that it is easy to start a war however once triggered there is no control over it as seen in Afghanistan, Iraq, Palestine etc. He wrote, ‘We urge the international community to play its role in diffusing tensions and mediating peace between Pakistan and India. Sense should prevail – we should resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations’.
The Governor while reiterating Pakistan’s calls for meaningful dialogue concluded that ‘In the end I would highlight that Pakistan wants peace and PM Imran Khan as well as Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Mr Shah Mahmood Qureshi have opened way for negotiations and dialogue. Our British and European partners can rise to the occasion and coerce India for table talks to ease the current situation post Pulwama incidence. Pakistan’s initiative to open Kartarpur Corridor was also aimed at building bridges and starting a new era between Pakistan and India relations. Regional peace and security is Pakistan’s priority.’
Published in Daily Times, March 4th 2019.
