Ready to talk with India on Kashmir issue, says Pak Prez; envoy Basit bats for good relations

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, President Mamnoon Hussain said in his address that Islamabad is ready for dialogue with India over the Kashmir issue.

"We are ready for dialogue with India and want to resolve the issue of incomplete agenda of the division of the subcontinent, in accordance with the UN resolutions on Kashmir," the Dawn quoted the President as saying at the celebration ceremony marked by military parade in the capital.

During the address, Hussain added that Pakistan's traditional atomic power is to ensure regional peace and stability. He also hailed the role of Pakistani security forces in combating terrorism and said after operation Zarb-i-Azb, Raddul Fassad will continue till the elimination of the remaining terrorists.

The day marks the historic event of 1940, when the Lahore Resolution was passed demanding a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also witnessed the parade.

Meanwhile, Pakistan High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit expressed Islamabad's desire to have good relations with India as well as to address the Kashmir issue.

"Pakistan has always tried to maintain good relations with its neighbors. We also want good relations with India," he told ANI.

He added, "We hope that we will be able to solve our differences and issues especially the Kashmir issue."

Auditor General of Pakistan, Rana Asad Ameen, along with Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan, Pakistan High Commission spokesperson Khwaja Maaz and officers of the armed forces.