ISLAMABAD: SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Thursday urged the Indian leadership to embrace Pakistan’s peace overtures to avoid escalation in bilateral tensions.

Senior Vice President SAARC CCI, Iftikhar Ali Malik in a statement issued, lauded the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s speech, inviting once again India for parleys to avoid war in the region.

He said that no one could not afford another war putting the regional peace at stake. “We can convince the world of our strength by achieving more economic and political empowerment,” he added.

“Modi regime must realize the severity of situation and respond positively to Imran Khan’s offer,” adding majority of Indian intellectuals and general public also want peace.

He said Pakistan was playing responsible role and added it was the responsibility of the global community to come forward and pressurize India to behave responsibly.

Iftikhar Malik said that lasting peace in South Asia will not be possible without resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute strictly in accordance with the UN Resolutions and aspiration of the people of Kashmir.

He said India and Pakistan both should take benefits from trade potential of the region and if both the countries walk on the path of peace, this region will be transformed into a prosperous and developed region in the world.

He said “in the world, trade partnership is being promoted and trading blocs are being formed, therefore, we also have to improve trade in the region,” adding that Pakistan was hopeful of neighbouring country to review its attitude for the cause of regional peace and prosperity.

app