Srinagar, Apr 11 : Senior National Conference leader and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Saturday said Pakistan played a role in easing tensions in West Asia, while asserting that India’s ties with Israel limited New Delhi’s ability to take a similar initiative.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar, Wani said Islamabad had done a “notable job” during the recent conflict by helping prevent escalation between Iran and the United States.
“We should have taken the lead, as it was a role expected of our country. India was once seen as non-aligned, but now we appear to have stepped back. Our relationship with Israel has become a factor in not taking such an initiative,” he said.
He added that efforts to prevent a wider conflict were welcome. “It is a positive development that steps were taken to avoid escalation between two countries, especially given the risks involved,” he noted.
Responding to remarks by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Wani described Pakistan’s narrative as “misleading,” but said third-party mediation is a common practice in global diplomacy.
“This may be his view, but there are broader questions as well. Pakistan has played a role, and several other countries have also mediated in such situations. Nations like Qatar have often facilitated dialogue. In international relations, when conflicts arise, third-party mediation is not unusual,” he said. (Agency)
