Pakistan blames India for imperilling regional peace

Islamabad, March 17 (IANS) Pakistan has accused India of imperilling South Asias peace and security and urged New Delhi to recognise the importance of bilateral dialogue between the two countries, the media reported on Friday.

"Pakistan has shown a number of gestures which were not reciprocated by India. We hope that India will soon realise that dialogue is a key to peace and stability in the region, as well as peace between our two countries," Foreign Office Spokesman Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly media briefing on Thursday.

He was responding to a question about the prospects of resumption of bilateral dialogue after ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) latest electoral victories, Dawn news reported.

It was earlier speculated by Pakistani officials that New Delhi, after the latest round of state elections, might move to lessen tensions with Islamabad and resume dialogue.

Zakaria hit out at the BJP government for using the "Pakistan card" in their domestic politics, saying it was "unfortunate and regrettable".

The spokesman said Pakistan wanted resolution of all outstanding issues with India, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through a "sustainable and result-oriented dialogue" which does not "disrupt or breakdown on flimsy grounds".

"India has to learn to live in peace with all its neighbours, including Pakistan. It is only through peace and dialogue," he added.

In reply to a question about Indian tests of extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, he said it underscored the importance of a bilateral engagement for introducing more confidence-building measure, avoidance of arms race and promotion of strategic stability in the region, Dawn news added.

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