India yet to send formal proposal for next round of talks: Pak FO

Islamabad, Mar.16 (ANI): Welcoming External Affairs Minister SM Krishna's statement that the next foreign secretary level talks between India and Pakistan would take place soon, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman, Abdul Basit has said New Delhi has still not sent any formal proposal for the high level deliberations.

"The statement made by Indian External Affairs Minister, S M Krishna is really encouraging and Pakistan welcomes it but it was his personal desire not the official stance," Basit told The Dawn.

Basit also stressed that both countries must have a 'mutual understanding' while proceeding for further talks.

Earlier, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, Krishna had indicated that a team of Indian delegates headed by Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao might visit Islamabad for the next round of talks.

"We have already taken the initiative. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is in good faith. Provided the backdrop of having talks at the level of foreign secretary," Krishna had said.

"The foreign secretary of Pakistan came here, and then, perhaps it is time for the foreign secretary of India to go to Pakistan," he added. (ANI)