Heading for Pakistan after a dialogue with Indian counterparts, Pakistan foreign secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani said that if Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visits Pakistan, it would provide the much-required impetus to the dialogue and the peace process between two nations.
“I can say that the entire leadership of Pakistan and people are eager for the visit of Indian Prime Minister and a warm welcome awaits him.”
Such high level contacts are very important between the two countries and we eagerly wait for the Indian PM, he said.
Jalani was answering to question regarding the PM’s statement in HT (on July 6) that he was looking forward to visiting Pakistan but also mentioned that there have to be suitable outcomes for such a visit.
Later talking on the two-day visit in India, Jilani said, “We had very productive meetings wherein key issues including such as terrorism and Kashmir were discussed.”
Overall I feel that the meeting ended on a progressive not there was indication that there was desire on both the sides to move forward, he said.
Reacting to the media reports wherein it is mentioned that the talks got stuck on core issues, the Pak foreign secretary said, “I don’t feel that. Media has a certain point of view. We have made progress.”
Talking on detail on Pak’s offer of joint probe on Mumbai attacks, Jilani said, “I am absolutely convinced. Both the countries are suffering from terrorism and it is need of the hour that they work seriously and sincerely to eradicate it. Both India and Pakistan must move in a quiet and candid manner to resolve this issue.”
However when asked that if Pakistan was suffering from terrorism then why it was not arresting Hafiz Saeed, the Pak foreign secretary said, “If you recall we have acted against people who have been accused of doing something wrong. But we have to follow a set procedure and need to have substantial evidences. If we don’t follow then even courts will set people free.”
Talking on detail on Pak’s offer of joint probe on Mumbai attacks, Jilani said, “I am absolutely convinced. Both the countries are suffering from terrorism and it is need of the hour that they work seriously and sincerely to eradicate it. Both India and Pakistan must move in a quiet and candid manner to resolve this issue.”
However when asked that if Pakistan was suffering from terrorism then why it was not arresting Hafiz Saeed, the Pak foreign secretary said, “If you recall we have acted against people who have been accused of doing something wrong. But we have to follow a set procedure and need to have substantial evidences. If we don’t follow then even courts will set people free.”
Jalil also justified his act of meeting separatists even before meeting Indian counterparts by saying, “Kashmiris are the party in the dispute. We think that is an ongoing thing, so we have maintained a regular dialogue with Kashmiris on both sides of Line of control.”