Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said Hindutva ideology propagated by the Indian leadership poses the greatest threat to peace in South Asia.
Speaking at a policy dialogue titled Peace in South Asia hosted by Institute of Regional Studies in Islamabad on Thursday, he said the deterioration that we see in the region is directly proportional to the rise of fundamentalism and extremism in India.
He mentioned that India is also sponsoring terrorism inside Pakistan.
The Information Minister said Pakistan has consistently played its role for peace in the region and it will continue to do so in future as well. He, however, said Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be construed as weakness. He said Pakistan has demonstrated to the world its capability to effectively respond to any unprovoked aggression.
Attaullah Tarar also emphasized the need for the resolution of all disputes including that of Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that President Trump has at various occasions, directly mentioned the Kashmir dispute. He said India cannot usurp the rights of innocent Kashmiri people, emphasizing that there must be respect for the UN Security Council Resolutions.
As regards Indus Water Treaty, the Information Minister said it is a legally binding document and it cannot be held in abeyance unilaterally. He said Pakistan has made it clear that water is our lifeline and no compromise will be made on it. He said any attempt to hinder the flow of water will be responded to decisively.
