RAWALPINDI, Nov 2: Information and Broadcasting Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said on Sunday that Pakistan wanted to hold a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue with India for lasting peace in the region.

Talking to newsmen at an Iftar party, he said: “Lasting peace cannot be established in the region without a meaningful dialogue between the two countries.”

He said he would visit India on Nov 10 to attend a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ministers’ conference.

“I will go to India with a message of peace and harmony,” he said and added that Pakistan had positively reciprocated to India’s offers to normalize relations.

However, he said India’s offers fell short of meaningful dialogue.

He said Pakistan was capable of defending its territory and prepared to thwart external threats.

He said the army and the judiciary were the most respectable and highest institutions of the country and everybody was obligated to show respect to them. He urged the opposition parties to act responsibly and strengthen democracy.

He said the irresponsible attitude of opposition was posing a threat to the democratic system.

He said a consensus among the chief ministers for building of new water reservoirs was a good omen. The construction of reservoirs would help the country in meeting water shortage, he said.

The minister said Pakistan was a global partner in the war against terrorism and the government was making efforts to apprehend terrorists and put an end to their activities.

He said the next year was very important for the Muslims and they should unite to face the challenges. He said Pakistan was a great power among the Muslim countries and the Western world was aware of it.

He underlined the need for unity among the people of the four provinces for national stability.

He said wars of the present age were fought through the media and economic strength. He said the government had allowed opening of new channels and eight private channels were airing their programmes. Another 13 channels were in the pipeline, he said.

He said there was a need for a policy to create job opportunities for youth to redress social problems.

He said Rawalpindi had emerged as the leading city in education after the setting up of many colleges and schools. —APP