MULTAN, Dec 9 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that foreign hand cannot be ruled out and more material is required to hold India responsible for terror incidents as the information received in this regard is insufficient.

Talking to journalists al local airport here on Wednesday, he said “There is a need to be cautious and careful while levelling such allegations as it should have a logical end if it is challenged in any court.”

The foreign minister said there could be some internal and external elements behind terrorism which are determined to disrupt peace in the country.

Asked about foreign ministry's viewpoint on Indian involvement, he said the ministry was not an investigative agency and it had to review all issues while keeping sentiments aside as “the world takes the statements of foreign offices seriously, so there is a need to be careful.”

He said Pakistan would act accordingly after evidence of Indian involvement in terror attacks in Pakistan. He said Pakistan was only interested in meaningful and result-oriented talks with India and willing to hold a broad-based dialogue.

Welcoming the statement of Indian foreign minister regarding the safety of Pakistan's nuclear assets, he said Islamabad did not need any certification from others as Pakistan had not only implemented internationally-recognised standards for the safety of its nuclear weapons but also was a responsible country in this regard.

He said Pakistan was taken into confidence by the US on its new Afghan policy and the process of bilateral consultations was still under way.

He said a top US official would visit Pakistan on Dec 14 for a joint course of action.

He said the militants had been defeated in Swat and South Waziristan and dialogue with them was futile, as there was no option except military operation against such elements.

He said the country was passing through a critical phase, therefore, all would have to show patience.

The foreign minister is visiting his hometown to inquire after the people injured in the recent attack.