Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan stated Tuesday that he would want to have a television debate with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in order to overcome tensions between the two neighbors. Mr. Khan made the remarks during an interview with Russia’s state-run television network RT on the eve of his maiden two-day visit to Moscow – the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades – during which he will meet with President Vladimir Putin and discuss major regional and international issues.
Imran Khan said he would love to debate with Narendra Modi on Television
“I’d love to debate Narendra Modi on television,” Mr. Khan responded to an inquiry. He stated that it would be extremely beneficial for the subcontinent’s over a billion people if disputes between Pakistan and India could be handled via discourse. In response to a query, Mr. Khan stated that upon the election of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party in 2018, he immediately reached out to India and urged the Indian leadership to sit down and resolve the Kashmir issue.
He expressed sorrow, though, that India had not responded positively to his invitations. Ties between India and Pakistan deteriorated following a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force facility in 2016 by Pakistan-based terror groups. Following attacks, notably one on an Indian Army camp in Uri, the relationship deteriorated further.
The relationship deteriorated after Pulwama Attacks
The relationship deteriorated further on February 26, 2019, when Indian airplanes bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep within Pakistan in response to the Pulwama terror assault that murdered 40 CRPF jawans. Relations deteriorated further in August 2019, when India announced the withdrawal of special powers from Jammu and Kashmir and the division of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
India has constantly stated to Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will be an integral part of India. Additionally, it urged Pakistan to face reality and put an end to all anti-India propaganda. India has expressed to Pakistan its wish for regular neighborly relations with Islamabad in an atmosphere devoid of terror, enmity, and violence. PM Khan also voiced optimism for a “peaceful resolution” to the ongoing situation between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing that military war can never resolve issues.
“I am an agnostic when it comes to armed engagements. I believe that civilized nations handle disagreements through discussion, while countries that rely on military warfare have not properly studied history “During the interview, Mr. Khan stated. Mr. Khan stated that he was confident that the citizens of Ukraine and Russia were aware of the potential implications of an escalating conflict.