‘Imagine potential’ if Pakistan, India can live like ‘civilized neighbors’ - PM Khan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said Islamabad and New Delhi only had one conflict, over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, and urged both nations to resolve it like "civilised" neighbours.
The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir -- divided between the two nations -- since their independence in 1947.
Addressing the Pakistan-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, the PM highlighted Pakistan's growth potential and its young population and strategic location, which India could benefit from.
"We have two of the biggest markets [India, China] in the world neighbouring us, through Afghanistan we have [access] to Central Asian markets,” Khan said. "We have excellent relations with China, but if somehow we improve our relationship with India…”
He then added cheekily: “I know after last night's thrashing by the Pakistan team in the cricket match, it's not a very good time to talk about improving relations with India,” referring to Pakistan beating India by 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup opener on Sunday.
Decades of bitter rivalry between the neighbors often clouds their cricket encounters. India has largely refused to play bilateral games against Pakistan since 2008, after deadly attacks in Mumbai which India blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denies state complicity.
Now they only play each other in international events. The last meeting was at the 50-over World Cup two years ago but even that was at the center of boycott calls.
Speaking in Riyadh, the premier said the two countries should try to resolve the Kashmir conflict like "civilised" neighbours.
"It's all about human rights and the rights of the people of Kashmir for self-determination as guaranteed by the United Nations Security Council 72 years ago,” Khan said. "If that right is given to them, we have no other problems. The two countries can live as civilised neighbours … just imagine the potential."
The PM said India could gain access to Central Asia through Pakistan and in turn the latter would gain access to two huge markets.