Pakistan warns against Indian ''hot pursuit'' in PoK

Islamabad, July 24 (UNI) Pakistan today warned against 'hot-pursuit'' into its Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK) by India on the pretext of fighting terrorism.

''It will be a ''mistake,'' foreign ministry spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said at her weekly press briefing here.

She was commenting on media reports that Indian security experts were considering to ''neutralise'' threat of terrorism by carrying out policy of hot pursuit.

She said Pakistan wants to follow the path of peace and, wants peace process to resume, adding, '' we are ready to discuss all issues.'' Ms Aslam recalled the amassing of one million troops along Pakistan's borders in 2001 and said ''even then we had to return to the negotiating table which is the only option before us.'' She termed the media reports in this regard as ''extremely irresponsible'' and asked ''do they want holocaust?'' The peace process between Pakistan and India is in the interest of both the countries, their people, the region and the world,'' she said.

She did not agree that the peace process has halted.

''It should not be,'' she said, adding, the two countries do not have any other option, but to pursue peace.

About the issue of Consular access to civilian prisoners and fishermen, she said Pakistan on its part allowed New Delhi access to those held in Punjab on July 18 and on July 24-25 to those in Karachi.

The Spokesperson dismissed reports about the Khushab Nuclear Weapons facility and said the country has been regularly exchanging coordinates of the site with India, as part of their 1998 agreement.

Asked about the details, she said she will not go into the specifics. She, however, added that it was part of its indigenous efforts to acquire nuclear capability.

''We do not want a nuclear and conventional arms race in the region,'' she added, when asked whether the new facility would trigger an arms race.

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