Pakistan wants meaningful dialogue with India: Sartaj Aziz

The adviser on foreign affairs says dialogue would be futile without including the Kashmir issue

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz  said on Wednesday Pakistan wanted meaningful and result-oriented dialogue with India for resolution of all outstanding issues,  Radio Pakistan reported.

Aziz told the National Assembly during question hour that the onus of resuming dialogue lies with India. He said the neighboring country had unnecessarily suspended dialogue because of the High Commissioner's meeting with Kashmir leaders in New Delhi.

Aziz, asserted that dialogue with India must include the Kashmir issue, otherwise it would be futile.

The adviser on foreign affairs also said there are reports that US President Barack Obama, during his visit to India, tried to persuade New Delhi to resume dialogue with Islamabad.

"However, we have not yet received any indication from the other side in this regard," Aziz added.

He said the negative propaganda about the Line of Control is indicative of Indian intransigence and reluctance to the resume dialogue.

Aziz added that Pakistan is working with other countries to press India for talks, as uninterrupted dialogue is necessary for regional peace, stability and development.

Speaking about the country's relations with Afghanistan, Aziz said they were on an "upward trajectory" and this is a new phase in relations with the two countries.