Staff Report
NEW DELHI: Foreign Secretary level talks between Pakistan and India came to a formal end amid pledges for a way forward and positive approach towards tackling the issues besetting the bilateral ties, SAMAA reports Thursday.

Addressing a joint press conference after the conclusion of the foreign secretary level talks, Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Indian counterpart Ranjan Mathai underscored the need to normalize the fraught relations between the two nuclear capable nations.

Jalil stressed, “My talks with Mathai on peace and security, CBMs, Jammu and Kashmir and promotion of friendly exchanges have been substantive.”

It should be mentioned here that the dialogues remained overwhelmed with discussion over terrorist operative Abu Jandal who allegedly accused Pakistan of involvement in Mumbai attacks.

Terming it a positive development that both countries now talk and discuss their problems in a civilized manner, Jalil remarked, “We have reached better understanding on many issues over the years,” adding there was no reason for trade talks and dialogue to be compromised by Jandal’s allegations.

Responding to a question over Mumbai attacks, Jalil says he strongly rejects the notion that state actors were involved in the 26/11 attacks; however, the dialogue between both countries has improved, and has made significant progress in solving the problem of terrorism together.

Indian foreign secretary Mathai emphasized the relevant information has been handed over to Pakistan, and it is expected that appropriate action will be taken.

“Bringing the guilty in Mumbai attacks to justice is the biggest confidence building measure,” he said adding the arrest and ongoing interrogation of Abu Jundal has added urgency to bringing the perpetrators of 26/11 to justice.

The Pakistan foreign secretary responded that terror is a joint threat; hence, the two countries cannot keep blaming each other. Abbas noted they have asked for more information with the possibility of a joint investigation. SAMAA