India asked to open its eyes: FM

MULTAN – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Friday warned ‘India or any one else’ not to remain in illusions, saying Pakistan would not change its priorities on any external pressure.
“We are not ready to come into any one’s pressure. What we keep forth is our national and international interests,” he added while responding to a question on a fresh statement of Indian premier about existence of terrorism camps in Pakistan during a news conference at Multan Airport. The Indian PM is due to meet with US President Obama on November 24 and Shah Mahmood was asked whether Manmohan’s statement was a part of Indian strategy to bring Pakistan under US pressure.
He asked India to open its eyes and take notice of terrorism in Pakistan. “India should not remain oblivious to this situation. We are facing Mumbai-like incidents daily. India should review the facts,” he added. “In my opinion Pakistan’s mindset is constructive as it took immediate steps to improve the atmosphere after Mumbai incident. Now the ball is in India’s court and she has to decide what she wants in future,” he maintained. Mr Qureshi made it clear that Pakistan wanted a meaningful dialogue with India, as the resumption of negotiations was in the interest of the entire region especially both the states. He said the entire world was talking of the regional stability as the US and Chinese presidents stressed the need for promoting peace in this region during their recent meeting. “I want to convey this message to India that if they are willing to resume a meaningful dialogue, we’re willing to sit with them. But if they come for sitting just for the sake of sitting, we’re not ready to spoil our time,” he declared. To a query on Indian premier’s statement against Pakistan, he said: “I don’t think Manmohan Singh can deliver such a statement. He is a highly responsible and seasoned personality. Well, You all are aware of twisting and turning of statements (by the media),” he said. He said the Foreign Office recently held a two-day consultation session to develop opinion in view of post-Mumbai attack scenario as experts were asked to present their analyses during this moot. According to him, an inter-ministry meeting was also convened and all stakeholders including interior and defence ministry, GHQ and ISI were invited to sit together and analyse the prevailing scenario.