ISLAMABAD: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wishes on Pakistan Day, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan thanked his counterpart and stated that "The people Of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India."
Earlier Modi in a letter wished the people of Pakistan on the occasion of its National Day which is celebrated on March 23, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." He further conveyed his best wishes during the pandemic to the people of Pakistan in coping with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Khan in his acknowledgement letter to the Indian Government stating the significance of the National Day stated "The people of Pakistan commemorate this day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential."
He further added that the people of Pakistan also desires peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. While mentioning about the outstanding issues between both the neighbouring countries in regard to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, the Khan in his letter said that "durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu & Kashmir dispute."
The letter also added that the creation of an enabling environment is imperative for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue.
"I also take this opportunity to convey our best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances Of my highest consideration," the Prime Minister of Pakistan said.
The relations between the neighbouring countries faced a setback after India withdrew the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.
Meanwhile, as per reports, Pakistan has recently approved the lifting of a ban on the import of cotton from India to bridge the raw material shortfall the country's textile sector was facing.