Troops pullout can resolve Siachen issue: Pakistan

Islamabad, Dec 5: Pakistan on Thursday said that the Siachen issue can be resolved through bilateral withdrawal of troops, a media report said.

Siachen Glacier in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir is known as the highest battlefield in the world where Indian and Pakistani troops are stationed round the year to protect their respective positions.

During a weekly briefing here, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said the Siachen issue could be resolved through bilateral withdrawal of troops, the News International reported.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry added that his country wants cordial ties with India and the Kashmir dispute could be resolved through dialogue.

Kashmir leadership should also be included in talks over the region's dispute, he said.

The spokesperson said there was no proposal under consideration to open Taliban office in Pakistan for dialogue with the US.

Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhary's statement comes a day after Sartaj Aziz, Pakistan PM's adviser on national security and foreign affairs, said the presence of Indian troops on the Siachen Glacier was a threat to the environment.

Aziz said that the Siachen Glacier, which is one of the largest sources of water to Pakistan, was being damaged due to the presence of Indian troops.