ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: Pakistan has called for talks with India to settle all outstanding disputes between the two countries, including the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Foreign Office Spokesman Aziz Ahmad Khan told BBC that Pakistan had always been holding this stance. He was asked to comment on President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s message of greetings to Indian Prime Minister wherein he had said that India and Pakistan should hold serious and sustained talks to resolve all of their disputes. The spokesman said it was not for the first time that Pakistan had said so.

“We have all along been holding the stance that all the issues should be resolved through talks,” he said.

He particularly mentioned the historic handshake by President Musharraf with Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during the Saarc summit held in Kathmandu.

Asked what steps Pakistan may take to improve the situation as India had not so far taken any step to lessen tension, the spokesman said Pakistan had all along been wishing peace. He said it held the stance that every issue should be resolved through talks.—PPI