Adviser hosts Lunch for Indian Parliamentarians

(2013-09-19)

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security & Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, hosted a delegation of Indian Parliamentarians at lunch today at the Foreign Office. The 13 member delegation, representing 11 Indian political parties, is in Pakistan for the 5th round of the Pakistan-India Parliamentarians Dialogue arranged by the Pakistan Institute for Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT).

In his opening remarks, the Adviser underscored the importance of a dialogue at all levels between Pakistan and India, particularly at the level of Parliamentarians. Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to develop better relations with India, the Adviser said that durable peace was essential for the stability of the region which was only possible through a sustainable dialogue process. He added that the Pakistan-India peace process should not be allowed to become a victim of domestic politics as that would not augur well for future relations. He also expressed the hope that the expected meeting of the two Prime Ministers in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA would give impetus to the peace process.

Leader of the Indian delegation, Mani Shankar Aiyer, in his remarks said that they were in Pakistan on a goodwill mission. Agreeing with the Adviser, he stated that both countries wanted peace and efforts would continue in that direction. He added that there was a need on both sides to develop a better understanding, clear misperceptions and work together to resolve issues that would bring about stability in the region. The participating parliamentarians from both sides also shared their thoughts acknowledging goodwill at the people-to-people level that needed to be utilized in supplementing the dialogue process.

Islamabad

September 19, 2013

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