Islamabad: Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that while trade between Pakistan and India makes “Economic sense”, it cannot be viewed in isolation. Qureshi made remarks in an interview with Times of India. PTI leader’s remarks come as his successor, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is in Goa to attend  meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers.

In interview, Qureshi touched upon several aspects of Pak-India ties. Asked about reports suggesting he was not keen on resuming trade with India, Qureshi said, “You see, point is, I do see benefits of trade between two countries. It makes lot of economic sense but it can’t be seen in isolation.

“It has to go in tandem with other things but only trade [is] not enough. That’s all I’m saying. Trade can help improve relations, but trade in itself will not be enough.”

Commenting on Bilawal’s visit to Goa, PTI leader made it clear that his party was not opposing exercise and understood that this was “Multilateral obligation”. “As former foreign minister, who has been to such conclaves, this is an important visit. And by all means he should go ahead.” At same time, he said that it “Might be useful” if there was meeting on sidelines to examine Pak-India ties. “Our diplomatic relations were downgraded after Pulwama incident and Balakot misadventure,” he said, referring to when Pakistan Air Force had shot down two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace in 2019.

“We have no trade and cultural ties at moment and are looking for neutral venues for cricket matches. My party and I desire peace with India,” ex-Foreign Minister said. “How can we have good neighbourly relations and peace unless we have dialogue? We need to recognise that we do have outstanding issues. We can’t wish them away. We have to address them,” he said, adding that most civilised way of doing so was through dialogue.

“Doctrines like hot pursuit are mutually suicidal. In my view, we do not have military solution to our issues, but they have to be resolved politically. They have to be resolved through dialogue.” Qureshi said that Bilawal had “Real opportunity” to raise issues that were relevant. “I hope he’s not shy of raising human rights issue[s], of raising treatment minorities are getting, particularly Muslims. I hope he is not shy of raising issue of water, which is becoming increasingly challenging between two countries.” He said SCO was multilateral forum where bilateral issues cannot be raised, “What I’m saying is that on sidelines he should not miss that opportunity.”

At one point in the interview, when interviewer alleged that suicide bomber involved in Pulwama attack in 2019 came from Pakistan, Qureshi noted that “Pakistan bashing” was very popular in India.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 05 2023

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