ISLAMABAD, July 24: Chairman Kashmir Committee and Senior Vice-President Pakistan Muslim League Hamid Nasir Chattha on Sunday said statements of Indian leaders could have negative effects on the peace process between Pakistan and India.

In a statement issued here, Mr Chattha while referring to the statement of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh regarding Pakistan nuclear power and extremism, said that such statements are not in the best interest of the two countries and people living in the region.

He said President Gen Pervez Musharraf had adopted courageous and bold steps against the traditional political approach and gone extra mile to have friendly relations with India.

President Musharraf is facing criticism within the country to carry forward this peace process, he said.

Mr Chattha said although Indian leadership belonging to Congress is facing political pressure from within the country, but there is need to take courageous action to march forward on the peace process and should not concede to extremists.

Mr Chattha said leadership of the two countries should take advantage from the present peace process and should made sincere efforts to take forward the process.—APP