Hina Rabbani Khar tells India to take ‘bold initiative’ on Siachen issue

Lahore - Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has asked India to take a ‘bold initiative’ to resolve the Siachen dispute.

“The two countries have lost opportunities over 23 years to resolve the standoff on the Himalayan glacier. The recent tragedy in Siachen is a stark and painful reminder of the explicit human cost of status quo,” The Dawn quoted Khar, as saying.

Last month, over 100 Pakistani troops were buried under an avalanche in Siachen.

Khar said Pakistan had suffered heavy human losses in Siachen and it believed that all outstanding issues with India could be resolved through a sustained dialogue, adding that there could be no military solution to any of the problems between the two countries.

“Pakistanis believe that war is not an option between two nuclear powers. The only option is to resolve our differences and disputes on the negotiating table,” she said.

Reacting to Khar, Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal said, “India is also interested to resolve the Siachen issue. We had Kargil that made things difficult. However, both sides have recognised this issue and in coming talks it will be discussed.”

Khar further said increased trade between the two countries could help improve relations, besides giving economic opportunities to their people.

However, she added that trade alone might not ‘unlock’ the solution to the core issue of Kashmir or the Sir Creek and Siachen issues.

She said Pakistan was committed to having good relations with India as it could not achieve goals on its own.

“We welcome India to demonstrate the same courage that our leadership has demonstrated,” Khar said.