Mumbai attack: India's claim that Pak agencies involved disappointing: Qureshi

Kabul, Jan.7 (ANI): Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday described as 'disappointing' India's claims that official agencies in Islamabad were involved in the Mumbai attacks.

Qureshi, who has accompanied President Asif Ali Zardari on an official visit to Afghanistan, said such claims would not help build cooperation between the two countries.

Qureshi expressed particular dismay over Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement on Tuesday that agencies under the Pakistan Government's control were behind the Mumbai terror attack. The dawn quoted Qureshi as saying that he expected more constructive comments from Singh.

"A statement of that nature coming from such a mature, such seasoned statesman is rather disappointing," Qureshi told a press conference here.

"The Indians are not being far-sighted enough, because if we want to get to the bottom of what happened in Mumbai, we have to cooperate at the operational level," he added.

"How do you cooperate when you start pointing fingers? For God's sake, if you want cooperation, then stop the accusations," he said.

Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan was not interested in engaging India in a war, but would defend itself if provoked.

"We do not want to fight with India, period. On the other hand, God forbid, if war is imposed on Pakistan, then Pakistan will fight back. And, every Pakistani will fight back with full commitment and force of conviction. But we do not want a war." (ANI)