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| "Phenomenon of terrorism" shouldn't affect ties: Pak | | |
Dhaka, Aug 01: Pakistan today emphasised that "phenomenon of terrorism" should not be allowed to impact on Indo-Pak ties but virtually rejected India's demand for the arrest of leaders of Jamat-ud-Dawa headed by Lashkar-e-Toiba chief Hafiz Mohammad Sayed.
Foreign Secretary Riyaz Mohammad Khan, who met his Indian counterpart Shyam Saran here last night, hoped that the composite dialogue process, which suffered a setback following the July 11 mumbai blasts, would resume soon.
Describing terrorism as a common enemy, he told reporters that Pakistan would cooperate in the investigation into the blasts. "We will cooperate. If there are some links (of the Mumbai blasts with Pakistan), we will act on it."
"Please help us to help yourself," Khan said, adding that India has so far not provided any evidence about Pakistan's linkages to the Mumbai blasts.
The two sides, during the meeting between Khan and Saran, had agreed that whatever information is available with either side in connection with the Mumbai blasts will be shared. However, they could not decide on a date for the resumption of the composite dialogue.
Khan said that the "phenomenon of terrorism" should not be allowed to impact on the bilateral ties and that the two countries should focus on resolution of the Kashmir issue, which will be the "best confidence building measure".
"There is no freeze in the peace process. The peace process is the only rational option. It is in the interest of not only Pakistan, but also India as well as the region," he said.
Both sides were committed to the peace process, the Pakistani Foreign Secretary said.
When referred to India's demand for arrest of the Jamat-ud-Dawa leaders as it is a cover for the militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (leT), he said it was a charity organisation.
"Let has been banned in Pakistan and all steps are being taken to freeze their offices and other assets," Khan said, adding LeT was not operating under any other name.
Describing the Mumbai blasts as a "wanton act of terrorism", he said Pakistan strongly condemns it.
"Terrorism is pervasive...It is a danger, common enemy," he said, adding "we all have to combat it at domestic level and through international cooperation."
Khan said Pakistan was working with international community to combat terrorism.
Insisting that there should be conclusive evidence with India before pointing fingers at Pakistan, he said "We reject this attitude of instinctive reactions" and attempts to find a "convenient scapegoat".
About his meeting with Saran, Khan said it was "cordial and positive" and the two sides discussed how to move forward. "We exchanged views on all issues relevant to the peace process."
On whether new dates for the stalled composite dialogue process were decided during his informal meeting with saran, Khan said "It was to have a feel of the situation. My intention was not to ask him the dates."
He said as a host, it was the privilege of India to decide about it according to its convenience.
Khan said Pakistan had given a commitment at the highest-level not to allow its territory to be used for terrorism against India.
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