Pak Army Chief General Bajwa Says Time For India And Pakistan To 'Bury Past And Move Forward'

General Bajwa, who was speaking on day two of the first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue, noted that stable relations between the two Asian neighbours were the key to unlocking the potential of South and Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa | Getty

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday asserted it is time for Islamabad and New Delhi to “bury the past and move forward”. General Bajwa, who was speaking on day two of the first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue, noted that stable relations between the two Asian neighbours are the key to unlocking the potential of South and Central Asia. He, however, added this potential has always remained hostage to the disputes and issues between the two “nuclear neighbours”.

Stating the Kashmir issue is obviously at the heart of this, General Bajwa said: “It is important to understand that without the resolution of Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, [the] process of sub-continental rapprochement will always remain susceptible to derailment due to politically motivated bellicosity.”

“We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward,” the Army Chief said, adding the onus for meaningful dialogue rested with India.

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“Our neighbour will have to create a conducive environment, particularly in Kashmir,” Dawn quoted General Bajwa as saying.

The Army Chief echoed similar sentiments as Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said on Wednesday that New Delhi would have to make the first move to normalise ties with Islamabad.

“We are trying, but India would have to take the first step and unless it does that we cannot move ahead,” he said while inaugurating the two-day dialogue.

Earlier in February, a statement was issued by the Defence Ministry in New Delhi stating that Director Generals of Military Operations of both the nations have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the LoC.