ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 Pakistan on Tuesday reiterated its call for negotiations and de-escalation with India, spelling out two proposals for defusing

tensions arising from the Mumbai attacks.

The two proposals, presented by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a brief statement on Pakistan Television, asked India to “de-activate the forward airbases” and “relocate the troops back to peace time positions”.

“India should deactivate the forward bases that have been activated,” Mr Qureshi said, adding this would be a major positive signal.

Second, the foreign minister asked India to relocate the deployed ground forces to peace time positions, saying this too would be a positive gesture.

He believed that if India agreed to the proposals, it would generate a good atmosphere for normalisation of ties.

Sources say Pakistan had been encouraged by the recent change in the Indian tone on sharing of information. The foreign minister said “certain developments” during the past 48 hours augured well for the region.

Mr Qureshi also spoke of diplomatic efforts by China and the US for defusing the tension.

The foreign minister once again emphasised that problems cannot be solved through ultimatums. Instead, they have to be dealt with through dialogue in a friendly atmosphere, he added.

“Dialogue serves the interest of both of us and we should use diplomatic channels for resolving differences,” Mr Qureshi said, stressing the need for resumption of dialogue.

He said the two countries should maintain friendly relations for the sake of their people and the region.

He said the admission by Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee that New Delhi had yet to share information with Islamabad had vindicated Pakistan.

“We expect them to share information with us as soon as they complete investigations,” he said.

“Pakistan would like to reassure India that it would try its best to get to the bottom of the thing” after evidence is provided, the minister said.