In an apparent reference to India, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s desire to have a dialogue with the archrival neighbour only if ‘serious matters were discussed’.

“Even with our neighbour, we are ready to talk to them provided that the neighbour is serious to talk serious matters on the table,” he said at the Pakistan Mineral Summit in Islamabad on Tuesday.

“Because war is no more an option. Pakistan Alhamdulillah is a nuclear power. Not as an aggressor but for our defence purposes and we had three fours fought in the last 75 years.”

The premier set the condition while pitching Pakistan to the world at the event where dignitaries from around the world were present.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that war led to more poverty, unemployment and lack of resources. He wondered what course the two neighbours wanted to have for the future.

“God forbid if there is a nuclear flashpoint who will live to tell what happened that is not an option but it is equally important that our neighbour has to understand that we cannot become normal neighbours unless abnormalities are removed and unless our serious issues are understood and addressed to through peaceful and meaningful discussion.”

Learning from past

PM Shehbaz stressed the need for learning from the bitter experiences of the past 75 years and move ahead with strenuous efforts, collaboration and dedication by exploring the untapped resources including the vast natural minerals and reserves and developing the agriculture, information technology and industrial sectors.

The prime minister regretted that the country’s journey of 75 years was dotted with bitter factors as they could not fully exploit the precious natural deposits estimated at worth $6 trillion.

“The day gives an opportunity to self-contemplation over a journey of last 75 years and the reasons which landed Pakistan into this situation with a begging bowl,” he added.