Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said Kashmir is the "core issue" between India and Pakistan and its resolution would ensure durable peace in the region.
"Kashmir issue must be resolved according to the UN resolutions as per the commitments made by the Indian Government," Sharif told British National Security Adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant, who called on him at PM House.
Sharif said Kashmir is the "core issue" between India and Pakistan and its resolution would ensure durable peace in the region as he urged the world to take note of alleged human rights violations there, officials said.
"The world community must take a note of the grave human rights violations and atrocities" in Kashmir, he said and claimed that over hundred people have been brutally killed, hundreds have been blinded by the use of pellet guns while thousands have been injured in the last few months alone.
Sharif said that Pakistan is peace loving country and pursues the policy of maintaining friendly relationships with all its neighbours, they said. Grant appreciated his policy of reaching out to the neighbours for establishing cordial relationships with them.
"We encourage and support your efforts for peaceful cooperation with your neighbouring countries," Grant said.
He said that the commitment of political government and armed forces, supported by the people of Pakistan have resulted into phenomenal victory against terrorism, referring to operation 'Zarb-e-Azb' in the northwestern tribal region.
Grant congratulated the Prime Minister on successfully completing the IMF support programme and achieving macroeconomic stability.
The British NSA also called on Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif at army headquarters on Monday.
"Matters of mutual interest and regional security came under discussion. The visiting dignitary acknowledged the significant achievements made by Pakistan in their fight against terrorism and continued efforts for regional peace and stability," said a statement issued by the army.
In response to a question, Sharif said that Pakistan is sincere to help in bringing stability to Afghanistan which is also in the interest of Pakistan.
"Peace and stability and Afghanistan would ensure peace in Pakistan and the region as well," said Sharif.
The prime minister further said that better management of the border with Afghanistan is also pro-actively pursued by Pakistan to safeguard the porous border.
Lagarde lauded the prime minister for steering the country out of multiple challenges and achieving macroeconomic stability in a short period of time.
She also noted the successful completion of the IMF programme which has helped Pakistan restore its macroeconomic stability, reduce vulnerabilities and make progress in tackling key structural challenges.
"It is a fantastic step in your journey that you have achieved a better and solid economic position in a brief period of two years," she said.
Lagarde said that completion of IMF programme reflects very positively on the country. She said Pakistan is now in a better fiscal position and certainly out of economic crisis.
She said that the economic growth has gradually increased; fiscal deficit has reduced while inflation has continuously declined in Pakistan. She also appreciated the country's strengthened social safety nets and tax policy and administration reforms.
