ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Tuesday that Pakistan and India can resolve their disputes through dialogue and should adopt the path of negotiation, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

Speaking to media representatives after addressing a function at the Institute of Strategic Studies, the defence minister said that Pakistan desires peace with India but that should not be considered a weakness.

He added that soon after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif took reigns of the government, he expressed a desire to have peace with India. However, he said, the premier regrets that since the past few months this desire for peace has been misconstrued by India.

Asif also said that the process of unprovoked firing by Indian forces is not good for peace.

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He further added that the country's economy has been weakened due to terrorism since the last 30 years, and that China is extending cooperation to Pakistan to help improve the latter's economy.

While answering a question, the minister said that contact and trade between the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) countries should be increased for rapid development and prosperity between the countries.

Responding to another question, the defence minister replied that the military operation in the tribal areas is being carried out without any discrimination. He added that the country's armed forces have given numerous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Asif also said that peace and stability in Afghanistan is imperative for peace in the whole region.

He further explained that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan for peace in their country.

He also said that Pakistan should play its full role in helping Afghanistan achieve peace, but added that Pakistan will not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.