Pakistan military ‘key hurdle’ to peaceful Indo-Pak ties: Shashi Tharoor

Indian Member of Parliament Dr Shashi Tharoor has dubbed the Pakistan’s military establishment as the ‘main hurdle’ in ensuring peaceful Indo-Pakistan ties.

Tharoor was speaking at a policy discussion seminar titled “India and Pakistan: Cooperation or Conflict?” organised by the Jinnah Institute.

He stressed that India is genuinely committed to establishing peaceful relations with Pakistan and pointed out that that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is pursuing a fresh round of peace talks with Islamabad.

“The only apprehension on India’s part was the issue of terrorism; however, we want sustainable peace between the two countries,” The Express Tribune quoted Tharoor, as saying.

Tharoor said Pakistan has not responded to India’s multiple initiatives for augmenting ties.

“During natural disasters, India offered Pakistan direct donations but they were rejected while the same were accepted when given through the United Nations,” Tharoor said.

He, however, welcomed Pakistan’s initiatives for trade links with India, saying that it reflected that the latter is keen to normalize relations with India.

Tharoor also rejected allegations that India had flared up violence in the Balochistan province.

He stressed that strong Indo-Pak ties are the need of the hour to ensure stability in the South Asian region.