The Ministry of External Affairs has said Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz should advise his own government to put an end to state sponsorship of terrorism.

Aziz will be visiting Amritsar for the Heart of Asia – Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan from December 3-4.

“He (Aziz) would be well advised to rather woo Pakistanis to end his government’s policy of state sponsorship of terrorism …. Pakistan would be well advised to focus its energies on stemming the rot of terrorism instead of expending its breath in making baseless allegations,” said Vikas Swarup, Spokesperson, MEA.

Swarup was responding to a query on the statement given by Aziz where he had said Pakistan intends to woo Indians who are opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Swarup also rejected allegations made by Pakistan that India has decided not to permit overflight clearance to their military aircraft.

“Despite several reminders, including in a meeting between Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner and Joint Secretary (PAI) in New Delhi on November 9, Pakistan did not provide the information that was asked for. Our expectation is that Pakistan will respect the requirements mutually agreed in bilateral agreements,” he said.

On Wednesday, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to India Syed Haider Shah was issued a demarche for continued violation of ceasefire from the other side of the Line of Control.

“The government conveyed its grave concerns at the continued attempts to infiltrate armed terrorists from across the Line of Control to target Indian posts and patrols. During the last week alone, there have been 15 instances when terrorists indulged in nefarious actions from the vicinity of Pakistani Army posts across the Line of Control,” he added.

Demonetisation impact According to Swarup, both the Nepal Rashtra Bank and the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan are in touch with the RBI regarding facilitation of collection and deposit notes of ₹500 and ₹1,000 denominations that are already in stock of the Central Banks, banks and general public in Nepal and Bhutan under existing provisions.

“The matter has been raised by both the governments of Nepal and Bhutan as well. The government is considering the matter and the RBI will remain in touch with their counterparts in Nepal and Bhutan,” said Swarup.

He added that the inter-ministerial task force formed by the government is also looking into issues relating to foreign nationals and tourists in India, NRIs/PIOs holding old series high denomination notes, and the Diplomatic Missions based in India.

“Consultations are ongoing and as soon as we have concrete recommendations from the task force we will share with all stake holders,” he said.

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