It was PDM led govt’s foremost duty to uphold democracy in the country & strengthen state institutions: FM Bilawal

NEW YORK, Dec 14, (SABAH): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan believed in peaceful relationship with India.

Speaking to international media, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said young population of both nations was desirous of establishing peaceful ties with one another.

Criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he added the PTI was not campaigning against army’s involvement in politics but its decision to keep away from unconstitutional interference with the matters pertaining to no-confidence vote against the former Prime Minister Imran Khan. If Mr Khan wanted himself to be called a politician, he must follow democratic norms, he added.

He said it was Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led government’s foremost duty to uphold democracy in the country and strengthen state institutions.

Responding to a question, he said PDM led government did not sign any deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) but PTI-led government did adding the former government had – after sensing its ouster – brought the country to the brink of default.

Speaking about the economic loss incurred by the country due to recent floods, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Pakistan faced a loss of $30bn – equivalent to 10pc of the country’s GDP. The incumbent government, in the first six months of its tenure, took strict measures to steer the country out of economic doldrums.

Highlighting India’s atrocities in Kashmir, he said hate politics was being promoted in the neighboring country that was resulting in making lives of religious minorities in India.