Pakistan says no talk with India without Kashmir issue

Islamabad: Days after efforts at cordiality in ties were made by Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian Premier Narendra Modi in Russian city of Ufa, a top diplomat from Islamabad says no dialogue process will take place with India unless Kashmir issue is included in it.

The Pakistan prime minister's top advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz was quoted by Samaa TV as saying in a news briefing that Pakistan stays firm on its principled stance on the issue with dignity and honour and no compromise will be made on it.

"Sharif raised concerns on all issues (With Modi), including India's alleged interference in the internal matters of Pakistan, particularly its continuing support for insurgency in Balochistan," he said.

Aziz admitted the meeting between Sharif and Modi in Russia was not a formal start of any dialogue process but it served an important purpose to achieve a better understanding that both neighbours must reduce tensions and hostility.

"The premier's meeting with Modi will help boost relations while reducing tensions between the two countries," Aziz added.

The senior diplomat said, during the meeting both the leaders agreed that the national security advisors of the two countries would first meet in New Delhi and then in Islamabad.

Aziz said Sharif sought information on the progress in the trial in the Samjhauta Express blast, while on the Mumbai 26/11 attack trial the premier conveyed to Modi that more evidence and information were needed to expedite the trial.

(IANS)