'Let's prioritise peace talks, no more war'; Pak President Zardari appeals to India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his doubt about India preparing for another conflict, and he urged the neighbours to return to amicable dialogue. Zardari was addressing a joint session of the Pakistani parliament. Zardari pointed out that the only way to ensure security in the region is to withdraw from war and prioritise peace talks, and he mentioned himself as an advocate of peace.

Zardari criticised India's decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty as ‘hydro-terrorism’. He accused India of weaponising water flows for political gains. Meanwhile, Zardari reiterated that Pakistan would continue to provide diplomatic and moral support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The president also raised serious concerns over the worsening situation on Pakistan's western borders. Referring to a new United Nations report that terrorist organisations are strengthening in Afghanistan, Zardari warned that any country could be the victim of a major terrorist attack if the situation in Afghanistan is not taken seriously.

Zardari justified Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to crack down on cross-border terrorist activities, saying that Pakistani soil was sacred. He also accused the Taliban government of failing to comply with the Doha agreement, which promised to prevent terrorist groups from operating on Afghan soil.