Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan to congratulate him but has not made any offer to resume talks between the two countries, Indian government sources clarified on Monday.
In his August 18 letter, Modi hoped for peace, security and prosperity, in a region free of terror and violence, they said.
The clarification came after a controversy erupted on Monday when Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi sought beginning of engagement between the two nations, but reportedly went on to quote Modi as indicating at an offer of dialogue.
Qureshi's own office backtracked soon. "The Foreign Minister had not stated that the Indian Prime Minister had made an offer of dialogue. Pakistan looks forward to a mutually beneficial, uninterrupted dialogue with India to resolve all issues," it said.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) here also said the letter was just congratulatory and did not contain an offer of any dialogue. Official sources said Modi wrote to Khan, congratulating him on his assumption of charge. Khan was sworn in on Saturday.
"PM Modi expressed the belief that the smooth transition of the government in Pakistan would strengthen and cement people's belief in democracy," they said. "He recalled their telephonic conversation, in which they spoke of their shared vision to bring peace, security and prosperity in the Indian subcontinent, in order to make it free of terror and violence, and to focus on development", they added.
Qureshi, who is also the vice-chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, also attempted to dissuade impression that foreign policy of his government would be influenced by the Army.
"There are pre-conceived notions about where the foreign policy of Pakistan is formulated. Let me be clear: the foreign policy will be made here? at the Foreign Office of Pakistan. I will engage with all institutions for the betterment of the country," he said, adding: "It is the policy across the world. Feedback is sought from national security institutions."
In a message to his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj, he had a subtle warning that both countries are not just neighbours but also atomic powers.
"Us coming to the table and talking peace is our only option. We need to stop the adventurism and come together. We know the issues are tough and will not be solved overnight, but we have to engage," Qureshi said.
"We cannot turn our cheek. Yes we have outstanding issues. Kashmir is a reality; it is an issue that both our nations acknowledge. We need a continued and uninterrupted dialogue. This is our only way forward," he stressed.
"We may have a different approach and line of thinking, but I want to see a change in how we behave," he said.
Qureshi belongs to a powerful politico-religious family of Multan that holds influence even on Sindhi Muslims living in large swaths of land in Rajasthan's Bikaner, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Jalore. He has his Khaleefa in the name of Maulana Taj Mohammad, who collects donations or nazrana every year on his behalf.
PAK SEEKS UNINTERRUPTED DIALOGUE
Pakistan looks forward to a mutually beneficial, uninterrupted dialogue with India to resolve all issues, Islamabad said on Monday
Why the controversy?
Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reportedly quoted Modi as indicating at an offer of dialogue
The denial
In his August 18 letter to Khan, Modi only hoped for peace, security and prosperity, in a region free of terror and violence, government sources here said. Pak also denied PM made any offer
Free of Army meddling?
Qureshi also claimed Pakistan’s foreign policy will be free of military interference. “Let me be clear: the foreign policy will be made here — at the Foreign Office of Pakistan,” he said
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