Pak President Alvi says 'desire for dialogue' should not be considered as weakness

Islamabad: Pakistan's President Arif Alvi on Saturday said that his country wants to “resolve all issues” with India through a comprehensive dialogue, but added that this “desire for peace should not be considered as weakness.”

Addressing a gathering during the National Day parade in Islamabad, President Alvi said: "We will ensure Pakistan's prosperity. Instead of war, we should focus on providing health, education and employment."

"We are a responsible nation and want to sow the seeds of peace in the region. We do not believe in war and want to resolve all issues through dialogue. India's attitude has been irresponsible and we were accused of Pulwama attack without any evidence. Our desire for peace should not be mistaken as weakness," the President said.

The President went on to add that over the years Pakistan has become a strong and peaceful nuclear power and India needs to accept this reality.

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have of late deteriorated after the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 security personnel were killed on February 14. Responsibility of the terror attack was claimed by Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

The tension got further escalated when 2000 Mirage fighter planes of the Indian Air Force crossed over the Line of Control and bombed a training camp of JeM located in Balakot on February 26.

“India violated international laws. It was our duty to respond to Indian aggression. We promptly responded to Indian aggression with better strategy,” President Alvi said while referring to the Balakot airstrikes.

The Indian government on Friday boycotted the Pakistan National Day reception organised by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, citing invitation to separatists from Jammu and Kashmir as the reason behind the boycott.

However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on the occasion. However, sources said the message was a customary unsigned letter which is sent to heads of states on their National days. The sources further emphasised that the letter to Khan highlighted terrorism in South Asia.