Pakistan’s ambassador in Moscow has sought Russia’s help in des-escalating the crisis with New Delhi caused in the aftermath of the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which 26 people were killed.
In an interview to be published later by TASS news agency, Ambassador Mohammad Khalid Jamali said that Russia has a privileged strategic partnership with India and also very good relations with Pakistan and could use its good offices to mediate like in Tashkent 1966, when the erstwhile Soviet premier helped in ending the armed conflict.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Sunday expressed concern over the tension between the two countries, urging the two sides to show restraint.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, according to a statement by the Foreign Office. Mr. Dar apprised Mr. Lavrov of recent regional developments, the statement added.
“Mr. Lavrov expressed concern over the situation and stressed the importance of diplomacy to resolve issues. He emphasised that both sides should exercise restraint and avoid escalation,” the Foreign Office said.
During the conversation, Mr. Dar rejected India’s “baseless allegations and inflammatory rhetoric” against Pakistan, the statement said.
He also condemned India’s “unilateral and illegal move to hold the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance which is a violation of its international obligations”.
The Minister also conveyed Pakistan’s offer for an international, transparent and independent investigation.
PTI
