Indian government must evolve consensus over Kashmir, water issue: Qureshi

MULTAN - Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that long pending issues with India, including river water sharing and Kashmir could not be resolved unless the Indian government brings a positive change in its attitude and evolves a consensus in this regard.

Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of the convocation of the Bahauddin Zakariya University here, Qureshi said Islamabad is ready to hold talks with New Delhi and the latter should also respond in a positive manner by shunning the preconditions it has attached with the resumption of the stalled composite dialogue.

“India and Pakistan are serious in resolving the disputes over water and Kashmir, but both issues could only be resolved after a consensus is evolved within the Indian government and dialogue was the only way in this regard,” The Dawn quoted Qureshi, as saying.

Qureshi hailed Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s approach towards reducing the heightened between the two neighbours, and added that Indian leaders should back his positive thinking.

“Singh knows the region and its economic requirements. It is our desire that political forces should support his positive thinking to resolve issues between Pakistan and India,” he said.

When asked as to how sees the Indian leadership’ recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Qureshi said Pakistan would have no objections if Riyadh plays a role in bridging the gulf between New Delhi and Islamabad.

“Pakistan has no objections, rather would be happy, if Saudi Arabia plays a role in resolving issues between Pakistan and India,” he said. (ANI)