'Optimistic' Qureshi says outcome of Feb 25 talks depends on Indian response

Beijing, Feb.22 (ANI): Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that he is 'optimistic' about the upcoming foreign secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan, adding that the outcome of the February 25 deliberations largely depends on New Delhi's response.

"The outcome of the talk depends on the response from the Indian side. Being neighbours, we cannot do without talking to each other," Qureshi told media persons here.

Qureshi, who is on a four-day visit of Beijing and Shanghai, said Pakistan has always tried to maintain friendly relations with all its neighbours.

He stressed that Pakistan itself was the 'biggest victim' of terrorism perpetrated by 'non-state actors'.

Describing the arrest of Taliban's second-in command Abdul Ghani Baradar from Karachi last week as a 'big success', Qureshi said Islamabad has adopted a comprehensive strategy to counter the terror menace.

"Pakistan has adopted a counter-terrorism policy centred on 3Ds (dialogue, development and deterrence) The government is paying greater attention to the economic and social development in FATA and other neglected areas," The News quoted Qureshi, as saying.

Appreciating China's continuous support to Pakistan, Qureashi said Beijing is also playing a positive and an important role in Islamabad's counter-terrorism strategies. (ANI)