ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has asked India not to vitiate the atmosphere for the ongoing peace process between the two countries by issuing statements on Islamabad’s internal affairs urging New Delhi to ‘mind its own business’.

Talking to a private TV channel here on Tuesday, the premier said we are disappointed over Indian remarks on Balochistan, which is against diplomatic norms. “Government of Pakistan knows how to ensure the safety and prosperity of the people of Balochistan and India should need not worry about our provincial situation.”

He said India itself is entangled in its internal problems and New Delhi’s remarks are tantamount to the interference in internal affairs of other countries.

Instead of peeping into others affairs India should settle its won conflicts, the premier remarked.

Mr Aziz pointed out that the government wants to resolve the Balochistan issue by dialogue to maintain peace for the development of Pakistan, there are only a handful of elements who are sabotaging development work of the province but we will settle these issues through dialogue.

The prime minister reiterated that security of national installations would be ensured at all costs.

We want the people of Balochistan to prosper and should play their part in national development, he added.

Responding to a query regarding Pakistan-India relations in the context of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and the confidence building measures, the premier said: “Kashmir is the core issue and we want to resolve it peacefully”. Pakistan, he said, wants peace but there should be forward movement on Kashmir issue.

Mr Aziz said both states will have to show more flexibility for resolving the longstanding issue because solution of Jammu and Kashmir issue is imperative for peace in South Asia.

He expressed the hope that the composite dialogue process with India would have a positive outcome. On a question, Mr Aziz hoped that more steps would be taken for a meaningful progress towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

On issue of back door diplomacy, the premier said talks are under way through these channels and several proposals are in consideration.—Online