Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that billions of dollars wasted on wars between Pakistan and India should instead be utilised for the development and prosperity of their people, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Sunday.
Addressing a ceremony of the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation in London, the Prime Minister emphasised that Pakistan and India are neighbours and must learn to live side by side.
PM Shehbaz Sharif added that Pakistan seeks dialogue with India, but only on the basis of equality between the neighbouring countries in South Asia.
He made it clear that without resolving the Kashmir dispute, relations between the two countries cannot move forward. He vowed that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would not be allowed to go in vain.
The Prime Minister also paid glowing tribute to overseas Pakistanis for their contributions, reciting poetry in their honour during his speech.
Earlier, in connection with the International Day of Peace, observed on September 21, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasised that lasting peace could not be achieved unless the root causes of conflict, poverty, denial of human rights, and growing intolerance were addressed.
“Today, conflicts and injustices around the world are threatening the future of humanity,” he said, adding that every individual and nation must play their role in promoting peace.
“On the International Day of Peace, Pakistan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the lofty principles of peace and justice.”
The Prime Minister stressed that peace must be preserved through strong international institutions and by reaffirming commitment to resolving disputes in line with the United Nations Charter.
He pointed to ongoing humanitarian tragedies in Palestine and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that without granting their people the right to self-determination, lasting peace would remain elusive.
Highlighting Pakistan’s contributions, Shehbaz Sharif said the country was proud of its decades-long role in UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance in conflict-hit regions worldwide.
He concluded with an appeal to the global community: “On this International Day of Peace, let us all pledge to silence the weapons, restore faith in diplomacy, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Pakistan stands ready to play its role and urges the world to join us in striving for peace, justice, and humanity. May Allah Almighty grant peace to the entire world. Amen.”