Thaindian News

Islamabad, June 26 (ANI): Pakistan has said that the resumption of composite peace talks with India is in the interest of both countries, and that it should not be looked at as a favour by one country to the other.

Addressing a regular briefing here, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said that the bilateral dialogue between India and Pakistan is in the mutual interest of both the neighbours, and it is very important for ensuring peace and stability in the region.

“We do want resumption of the dialogue with India because we sincerely believe that it is in the interest of our region. Pakistan has been insisting that as a ‘responsible country’ it believes that disengagement is counter-productive,” The Dawn quoted Basit, as saying.

Basit asserted that Pakistan has been sincerely carrying out the Mumbai terror attack probe, and proceeding methodologically over the issue.

“India’s aversion to resumption of the composite dialogue is incomprehensible, especially when they know full well that Pakistan is proceeding in the matter of Mumbai attacks faithfully, methodically and credibly,” he added.

Basit’s comment comes amid speculations of a meeting of foreign ministers of both the countries on the sidelines of the G8 conference, which is scheduled to be held in Trieste, Italy in July.

The statements clearly point towards the growing frustration of Pakistan, as New Delhi has persistently been denying resumption of peace talks until Islamabad showcases concrete evidence that it is acting seriously against the perpetrators of the 26/11 carnage.

Commenting on the water-dispute between Indian and Pakistan, Basit expressed hope that the issue would be sorted out during the commissioner level talks.

“The next meeting of the water commissioners is likely to take place in October-November and the two sides are in touch with each other to understand each other’s point of view and to settle the sticking issues,” Basit said. (ANI)