Pak rejects Narayanan's remarks on jehadi groups

Islamabad, Mar 20: Pakistan today (Mar 20, 2006) rejected as 'baseless' comments by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan that Islamabad was still harbouring militant groups.

''Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism and condemns it in all its forms and manifestations,'' Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said at a press briefing here.

Commenting on Narayanan's statement that Pakistani-based militant groups were operating in India, she said, ''it was absolutely baseless and we reject it.'' Pakistan's contribution to the war against terrorism has been recognised by the International community, she added.

The spokesperson also referred to the proposals of self-rule, demilitarisation and joint management in Kashmir.

She said many Kashmiris have supported the idea in good faith as they wish to take forward the composite dialogue process.

India should engage in the dialogue process and come up with ideas and proposals that are acceptable to India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir, Aslam added.

On the meeting of the Joint Commission of the two countries, she said it has been revived and eight working groups were working under it.

She said a meeting of two working groups on science and technology and tourism will be held on March 21 and 22 in Islamabad.

About Pakistan nationals detained in Indian jails, she said the Indian authorities have given Consular access to 178 from a total of around 540 Pakistanis. ''Of these, national status of 105 has been determined and we are awaiting repatriation,'' she said.

Foreign offices of both the countries are in touch to expedite the release, she added.

UNI