PM raises LoC violations issue with Nawaz Sharif's brother

The issue of ceasefire violations has caused a fresh spell of chill in India-Pakistan relations.  During a meeting between Singh and Nawaz Sharif in New York in September, the two leaders had decided that Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) would meet soon to address this issue. However, this is yet to happen.  Asked why the DGMOs have not met even three months after the two leaders agreed, Shahbaz Sharif said he was not aware of the reasons. “I reiterate that DGMOs should meet as soon as possible. We are absolutely fine with it...Let's hope they meet.”

Contending that Nawaz Sharif had got the mandate to improve relations with India, he said the “wise men” of the two countries should “discuss in tandem” and resolve their problems for making the region peaceful.  “Both the countries have been unruly neighbours. Now it is time to live like friends in peace and promoting progress and prosperity....

“We need to try to climb over the baggage of the past and look to the future, try to resolve issues and problems through peaceful dialogue. Problems of the past only brought miseries, they brought nothing. It is time for trade and progress,” he said, adding this was the crux of his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“We have to resolve problems peacefully. War is not an option. But it is also not an option to brush problems under the carpet,” the Pakistani leader said.

Listing commerce, investments, energy and people-to-people exchanges as areas for cooperation, he said the two countries have shared history and “have a lot to do”.