Tharoor opposes snapping ties with Pakistan

Former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor has said he was against BJP's demand for snapping all sorts of ties with Pakistan.

Former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor has said he was against BJP's demand for snapping all sorts of ties with Pakistan.

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"I am not in favour of taking such a decision against Pakistan as it will not help. Our dialogue with the neighbouring country should continue," Tharoor, who was conferred with "Pride of Nation" award here in memory of late President Zakir Hussain, told reporters on Sunday.

Tharoor was replying questions connected to BJP's demand for snapping all sorts of trade, transport, tourism, sports and cultural ties with Pakistan and recall of Indian High Commissioner from there.

"Indeed it pained me when I heard some section of political leadership demanding discontinuing relationship with Pakistan including sporting relations," Tharoor, a cricket buff, said.

"In fact I was planning to co-author a book with Pakistani leader Shahreyar Khan on Indo-Pakistan Cricket scenario," he said.

Tharoor, who lost the race to UN Secretary General by a thin margin, referred to Congress party as close to his heart due to its democratic setup, leadership and history.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Salman Khurshid presented the award to him in the presence of Union Minister Vilas Muttemwar.