Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said India will have to take the first step for improving bilateral relations, indicating that after the August 5, 2019, changes in Jammu and Kashmir, the onus is on New Delhi.

This is the first time Imran has spoken publicly after the two countries committed themselves once again to uphold the 2003 ceasefire along the Line of Control on February 24 after two years of almost daily shelling across the contested border.

Addressing the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Imran said: “There is basically one issue that is stopping us (from improving relations) at this time. We will try but India must take the first step because after August 5, till they take the first step, unfortunately we cannot move forward.”

Reiterating that Kashmir is the only issue between India and Pakistan, Imran said the August 5, 2019, moves of India led to a complete breakdown in relations; adding that it is also holding back regional cooperation and uplift of the region in general.

As always, he also flagged Pakistan’s long-standing support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination