Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani address at Harvard ‘Pakistan-India Relations: the Way ahead”

Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani address at Harvard ‘Pakistan-India Relations: the Way ahead”

Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani addressed the faculty and students at the Harvard Kennedy School today on ‘Pakistan-India Relations: the Way ahead”. He explained the history of the relationship and the underlying issues that have shaped the events and policies in South Asia.

Highlighting the current trends, Ambassador Jilani informed a large audience of students and researchers that there is a strong realization in South Asia on the imperative of an uninterrupted peace process. There is broad political consensus in Pakistan to promote regional cooperation as a path to peace and prosperity, he said.

Noting the progress previously made in bilateral relations, Ambassador Jilani stated that both sides have had constructive discussions in the composite dialogue in the past years and were able to conclude a number of Confidence Building Measures.

He said that South Asia cannot achieve its true economic potential unless Pakistan and India resolve their differences and make common cause against terrorism and poverty.

The ambassador further added that the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif has articulated his vision of a peaceful neighborhood and extended a hand of cooperation towards India in order to build durable peace. Settlement of issues including the J&K dispute in accordance with international legality is of critical importance to establish permanent peace.

During the interactive session , Ambassador Jilani said that Pakistan looks at the future of its relations with India with hope. There are tremendous opportunities to work together for improving the quality of lives of the people of South Asia.

April 16, 2014
Washington, DC