Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday voiced grave concerns after a copy of the Quran was allegedly desecrated by security forces in the Indian-administered Kashmir.
The incident has offended the people of Pakistan and Muslims across the world, foreign ministry spokesman Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said during a media briefing.
He said the Indian government has expressed its intention to carry out investigation into the alleged act and “we hope the probe will be held expeditiously and those involved will be brought to justice.”
Replying to a question, the spokesman said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has appointed a former senior diplomat Shahryar Khan to help improve ties with India.
The diplomat has already visited India and conveyed the “strong desire” of the Pakistani leadership for good neighbourly relations, the spokesman said.
He said Pakistan wants a resumption of formal composite talks with India to move towards resolution of all issues and remove the mistrust between the countries.
About the reported allegation by a former Indian official Satish Verma that New Delhi had planned the Mumbai and parliament attacks in India, the spokesman said the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi has been asked to approach the Indian government over the matter.
He said according to the preliminary response‚ India has denied that the former official made the allegation. “We‚ however‚ will ask India to give more details in this regard,” the spokesman said.
Answering a question about US drone attacks, Chaudhry said the policy of the present government is clear. He said Pakistan has forcefully raised the issue with the US, which is in violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty as well as international law. he said.
He said the drone attacks were counterproductive because they further spread militancy.
“We have a strong position on drone attacks and a debate has also started in the international community against them,” Chaudhry said.
