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London: Kashmir is the "lifeline" of Pakistan and it will not compromise on it, Pakistani Premier Zafarullah Khan Jamali said on July 4.

"As far as I am concerned, Kashmir is the lifeline. It's not just a political issue. It's an economic issue too. It's lifeline as far as Pakistan is concerned and we have to keep that right in front of us and then decide," Jamali told the BBC World in its programme 'Question Time Pakistan'.

Stating that he would not compromise on principles, Jamali said, "I am a person who does not compromise on principles. Issues, we can compromise on ... The major principle between India and Pakistan is Kashmir. That is the principle. On principle, you cannot compromise. On issues, you can." He, however, did not elaborate.

According to a press release by BBC World, the programme is being telecast on July 4 night.

Expressing his wish to improve relations with India, Jamali said, "We have to improve. Why should I have a hostile neighbour? A country that is stronger than us, a country that is bigger than us. These are the facts and we have to admit that."

Replying to a question on New Delhi's claim that Pakistan is not stopping "cross-border infiltration", Jamali said, "They've been saying it for years and years. Pakistan has vast borders and with all the military might India has put on those borders, even then they are saying that we are still crossing over. Doesn't make sense at all," he claimed.

PTI