India not responding positively on talks: Pak

Pakistan on Wednesday accused India of not responding positively to its efforts to restart the dialogue process and contended that it would go the "extra mile" if New Delhi takes steps in this regard.

A week after his talks with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna ended in sharp differences, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the two countries should not become "hostage to history" and should take "bold decisions" for ushering in peace in the region.

"It goes without saying that neither peace nor stability can be achieved in isolation. They need strong partnerships and willingness to build bridges and walk the talk on the high road to peace and equal security," he said at a seminar in Islamabad.

Qureshi, who was speaking on the topic 'India's Cold Start Military Doctrine', said the subject of discussion was "ironic" as he had recently hosted Krishna for talks "as part of efforts to recommence the stalled dialogue in pursuit of our endeavours for durable peace in the region, albeit without a corresponding positive response."

Pakistan, on its part, is prepared to go the "extra mile" if India takes steps to resume the peace process, he insisted.
Qureshi's talks with Krishna here on July 15 ended on an acrimonious note with sharp differences coming out in the open at their joint press conference.

Pakistan wanted to discuss Kashmir issue but India was not ready as it insisted on visible action against terrorism, specifically in the Mumbai attacks case, before other topics could be talked about.

Qureshi said Pakistan wants to discuss all outstanding issues, including the "core issue" of Kashmir so that they can be resolved peacefully.

"Pakistan remains firmly committed to the objective of peace and stability in South Asia," he said.

Qureshi said Pakistan is pursuing a three-pronged approach with India to achieve durable peace and strategic stability in South Asia.

"This includes a peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir; strategic restraint and conventional balance; and close cooperation for the socio-economic development and welfare of our peoples," he said.