From AIDOGHIE PAULINUS, Abuja
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has accused India of derailing its efforts towards positive and constructive relations with her neighbours. Pakistani Prime Minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, stated this in a statement made available to Monday in Abuja by the Pakistani Embassy to commemorate Pakistan’s 70th Independence Day. Abbasi said the independence that Pakistan achieved 70 years ago, was an outcome of the unparalleled sacrifices made by the country’s ancestors. He said millions of Muslims rendered sacrifices for the country, as well as the future of the posterity of Pakistan. Pakistan, he added, desired positive and constructive relations with all the countries of the world, especially with its neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality. “The people of South Asia have suffered enormously in the last 50 years due to the festering conflicts. Until and unless those conflicts are resolved amicably, the people of the region cannot achieve prosperity and progress. “Our government has invariably made efforts to initiate the process of meaningful dialogue and adoption of peaceful means to resolve the issues, but unfortunately, the expansionist designs of India have remained the main hurdle in this regard,” the Pakistani Prime Minister stated. Abbasi also said it was incumbent upon the international community to play its role in the resolution of the regional conflicts, particularly the Kashmir dispute in conformity with the United Nations Resolutions on the subject, with a view to ensuring durable peace in the region. “Terrorism is the biggest challenge confronting the world in the twenty first century. Pakistan has rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against this menace, as well as for the world peace. “Our armed forces, law enforcing agencies and the people, have written imperishable stories of sacrifices in this regard. Now the time has come for the international community not only to acknowledge those sacrifices by rising above their interests in the region, but also to fully support Pakistan in taking the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion. “The younger generation of Pakistan is endowed with exceptional talent and has a burning desire for advancement. They are making admirable contribution in the fields of Information Technology, Engineering, Medical and Management all over the world, in a distinct manner. “My government has a vision of accelerating the pace of development and prosperity in Pakistan so that all those professionals can return to contribute to this national effort.