Mumbai terror has marred the relation with India: Qureshi

Islamabad, Dec 18: The future of Pakistan demands good neighbourly relations with India and that it was his responsibility to do so, opined Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureishi. "Mumbai attacks has hampered the friendly relationship with India and steps would be taken to improve the ties between two countries", Shah said.

"This unfortunate incident has been a setback, to the extent that our composite dialogue is at a pause at the moment but I am confident that we will overcome this hiccup. The future of Pakistan demands good neighbourly relations with India, so it's my responsibility to develop good bilateral relations," the Dawn quoted him as saying.

He expressed that both the nations have a common enemy, 'terrorism' and urged India to fight it out together. "I feel we have a common objective. We have a common challenge. We have a common enemy. Let us join hands to defeat this enemy," Qureshi said. He reiterated Pak's offer of a joint investigation with India to probe the Nov 26 Mumbai terror attacks.

"I offer joint investigation to build confidence and even prepared to visit India to lead a delegation to promote confidence building but waiting positive response from India," he said.
He insisted the need for diplomatic channels rather than media.

"Pakistan needs detail evidence through diplomatic channels instead of media," he said adding, "evidences are being released by India through media only and Pakistan was not provided any proof officially."

ANI