NEW DELHI, Aug 31: The ongoing composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India must show some forward movement, especially on the Kashmir issue, says former foreign minister and member of Pakistan's parliamentary delegation Gohar Ayub Khan.

"The amount of desired forward movement is not there. There is a certain amount of hesitation on the part of India," Mr Ayub said. "They keep talking about cross-border terrorism which is unfortunate," he said, adding that Pakistan then had to respond to them.

"We must refrain from issuing statements, especially by people who are not concerned with these issues. Rhetoric must stop and (allegations of) cross-border terrorism by India must not be repeated because there is no proof."

Earlier, Pakistan's parliamentary delegation interacted with leading persons from Indian print and electronic media. The Pakistani delegation's legislative study tour was organized by PILDAT.

One of the eight members of the Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Consortium, held meetings with the Lok Sabha speaker and the vice-chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

The former foreign minister said that the speaker of the Lok Sabha had called for setting up of an inter-parliamentary friendship forum, adding that he would soon invite the speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly to visit India.

Pakistani parliamentary delegation included Senator Mohammad Anwar Bhinder, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, Kunwar Khalid Yunus, Mujeebur Rehman Shami, Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, Abdul Ghafoor Haidery, M.P. Bhandara, Col (retd) Ikramullah Khan and Ahmad Bilal Mehboob.

The delegation comprises members of the Pakistan Muslim League, the Pakistan People's Party, MQM and MMA, journalists and members of some NGOs. Both sides dwelt upon promoting friendly ties and taking the peace process forward between the two sides.

The delegation would meet with External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil. The delegation is also scheduled to have a group discussion with Chief Election Commissioner T.S. Krishna Murthy on Sept 2. The members of the delegation would visit Indian Punjab. -APP