Search the Internet          Tips

Chances of war receding: Pak General Karamat

Pakistan's special envoy General Jehangir Karamat said on Tuesday night that the chances of nuclear war with India was 'zero percent'

He added the likelihood of a conventional conflict was also receding.

Karamat told a news conference in Paris that Pakistan welcomed steps by India to de-escalate the tension between the neighbours.

But he said that more needed to be done and suggested that France could persuade India to agree to dialogue.

Karamat met French President Jacques Chirac and Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin on Monday on the third stop of a European tour that has already taken him to Rome and Madrid.

On the possibility of a nuclear conflict, Karamat said, "In the present scenario, it is absolutely zero. It's never been an option considered on either side...there is effective control on both sides.

"Right now, with the situation de-escalating, the chances of a conventional war are also receding," he added.

"I think the next logical step that should be considered is a full resumption of diplomatic relations, a pullback of the militaries on both sides and perhaps dialogue," he said.

The former military chief denied there were links between the Pakistani army and Pakistan-based Mujahideen and said it had 'never allowed itself to be involved' in incursions across Line of Control.

Reuters

Terrorism Strikes in Jammu: The complete coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report