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Summary
President Aisf Ali Zardari says that continuation of Pak-India dialogues is necessary for the sustenance of peace in the region. In an interview with British newspaper Financial Times President Zardari maintained that fifth stage of Pak-India dialogues started in his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on September 24, 2008 but dialogues suspended after Mumbai attacks. The President maintained that an air on distrust and apprehensions of the two countries could only be removed through dialogues. He said that Pakistan had assured India its soil wouldnt be used against it. The president further added that Pakistan was ready to cooperate with India to punish the plotters of Mumbai attack but it should also focus on Pakistans apprehensions. Separately, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said he would take up water issue with Indian officials during his US visit. Addressing a press conference at Lahore Airport Qureshi maintained that the government was aware of all the problems including water issue. He believed that American aid would be spent more transparently by government means. The foreign minister believed that water issue was a sensitive matter and wouldnt be resolved through media. Qureshi observed that Kerry-Lugar bill wasnt given much attention to following the recession in the US economy, however it would be paid attention now as the conditions were improving. Qureshi asserted that India wanted to push Pakistan on defensive position by aggressive statements. India is mistaken if it thinks it can pressurize Pakistan, Qureshi observed. The foreign minister claimed that President Zardaris statement was presented out of context. We have not banned Jaswant Singhs book in Pakistan, the minister concluded. On the other hand, defense analyst Dr Hasan Askari talking to Dunya News opined that President Zardaris statement was quite hopeful while foreign minister hinted at realities. He believed that India wouldnt discuss any other issue except terrorism due to which meeting will be fruitless. Dr Askari told that Indian Government faces severe pressure from different parties for not initiating dialogues.
