Nawaz Sharif rakes up Kashmir issue in I-Day address

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that the Kashmir issue was the "main source of tension" in India-Pakistan relations and sought its peaceful resolution to explore new ways to bolster bilateral ties.

"We want peaceful resolution of Kashmir with our full sincerity so that by removing this main source of tension, Pakistan and India could find new ways for promoting their relations," he said while addressing the Independence Day parade after midnight in Islamabad. Sharif's remarks come close on the heels of a spat between the two countries over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech accusing Pakistan of continuing to engage in a proxy war of terrorism against India.

Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words, with New Delhi saying terrorism was a "core concern" in bilateral ties and its "tool kit" is not restricted in any manner to combat it effectively.
Pakistan had dubbed Modi's comments as "baseless rhetoric" and "unfortunate".

India has also voiced serious concerns over ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the line of control in recent weeks. In his address, Sharif said promotion of peaceful relations with neighbours was the cardinal principle of his foreign policy. "We are a peaceful country. We are striving for peace within the country and also want durable peace on our borders," he said.

Sharif has stated that he wants better ties with all neighbours and recently regretted not having good relations with India.