Srinagar, Apr 11: Senior National Conference leader and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday said Pakistan had played a role in easing tensions in West Asia, while asserting that India’s ties with Israel had limited New Delhi’s ability to take a similar initiative.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Wani said Islamabad had done a “great job” during the recent conflict by helping prevent escalation between Iran and the United States.
“First of all, we should have done it because it was a role expected of our country. We were considered a non-aligned country, but now we have been left behind. Our relationship with Israel has become a reason for us not to take this step,” he said.
He said it was positive that efforts were made to avoid a larger conflict. “It is a good thing that someone has taken the initiative to save both countries from nuclear war,” he added.
Responding to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks, Wani described Pakistan’s narrative as “misleading”, but said mediation by third countries was a common feature of global diplomacy.
“This is his own opinion, but there are questions for the rest of us as well. Pakistan has done a role in this regard, and many others have also mediated. Qatar has done it many times. In world foreign policy, when there is a conflict, a third country steps in for dialogue,” he said. (KNS)
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