Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has urged the Indian leadership to demonstrate the courage to open doors for the Kashmiri people for trade and people-to-people contacts.   

Speaking in the National Assembly on Friday, he said resolution of all outstanding disputes with India lies only in the dialogue process.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan will perform the grounding breaking of Kartarpur corridor on Wednesday.

He said this corridor will encourage Sikh community to visit Pakistan in large numbers.

Talking about Karachi terror attack, he said the security forces foiled the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi and the Consulate stands cleared. He said some elements have been out to sabotage the CPEC project from day one.

The foreign minister said all twenty-one Chinese staff members are safe and have been shifted to a safe place. 

He appreciated Sindh Police and the Rangers for standing like a rock wall in the way of the terrorists and foiling their nefarious design.

Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate. He said China is the most time-tested friend of Pakistan along with Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, the National Assembly resumed its session at the parliament house in Islamabad on Friday with Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri in the chair.

At the outset, the house offered fateha for the departed souls of former MNA Najaf Abbas, SP Tahir Dawar, Tableeghi Jamaat Chief Muhammad Abdul Wahab and the mother of deputy speaker.

The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution paying homage to last Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

The resolution was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan.

It expressed the resolve to make Pakistan and the world cradle of peace and stability in accordance with the life and teachings of the last Prophet.

Responding to the points of opposition members on the martyrdom of SP Tahir Dawar, Minister of State for Communication Murad Saeed said those involved in the despicable incident will be brought to justice. He pointed out that Pakistan has rendered innumerable sacrifices in the war on terrorism.  He said certain elements do not want peace in Pakistan and also want to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project. He said that India also stands exposed on the Ajmal Kasab case.

Pakistan People Party Raja Pervaiz Ashraf appreciated the government decision to construct Kartar Pura corridor saying it will promote religious tourism in the country and also have a positive impact in the regional context.

Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack on the Chinese consulate. He said China is the most time tested friend of Pakistan along with Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

Finance Minister Asad Umar has made it clear that the government will only sign such an IMF package which is in the interest of Pakistan’s economy and the people.

Making a policy statement in the National Assembly today about talks with the IMF mission, he said we are not in a hurry for the IMF package as alternative arrangements have been made to address immediate economic needs of the country. He said we will not make any decision which adds to the difficulties of the people.

The Finance Minister said that Pakistan has already signed an economic assistance package with Saudi Arabia while talks with other friendly countries are underway. He said that we have to take steps to reduce trade, current account and budget deficits.

Asad Umar said that 15.50 percent increase has been witnessed in the remittances over the last three months. He said the overseas Pakistan have sent additional one billion dollars to Pakistan during this period.

About the prices of petroleum, the Finance Minister said we have substantially reduced taxes on the diesel.

Asad Umar urged the opposition not to do politics on China Pakistan Economic Corridor as it will not augur well for the country.

Responding to the points of opposition members, Law Minister Farogh Nasim said NAB law is being examined with the consultation of other political parties. He said the government is against any excesses but it is our responsibility to ensure implementation of relevant laws. He said we will also fully comply with the orders of the Supreme Court.

The Law Minister rejected the impression that the NAB is only targeting the politicians. According to the NAB Statistics, only 4.5 percent inquiries, two percent investigations and 1.1 percent references are pending against the politicians.

During the session today, PPP leader Rafih Ullah also presented a gift of Sindhi cap and Ajrak to the members.

The House has now been prorogued.