Krishna’s visit to Islamabad would help promote regional peace: Rehman

PESHAWAR - The proposed visit of External Affairs Minister S M Krishna to Islamabad and talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on July 15 would certainly help both countries establish and promote peace in the region, Pakistan National Assembly’s Kashmir Committee chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said.

Interacting with reporters in Swabi, Rehman said meaningful dialogue was in the interest of both neighbouring nations.

“We will welcome Krishna in Pakistan as meaningful dialogues are in the interests of both the neighbours,” The Dawn quoted Rehman, as saying.

Earlier, during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal, Rehman demanded the participation of the Kashmiri leadership in any upcoming India-Pakistan talks.

It is pertinent to mention here that Qureshi has already said that all issues would be discussed with Krishna, and Islamabad would not hesitate to present its stated positions on all issues bedevilling bilateral ties.

He has also made it clear that people should not expect any ‘miracle’ from the upcoming meeting.

“Don’t expect miracles overnight. It is an uphill task. The two foreign secretaries will meet on the sidelines of the SAARC conference to do the ground work for the foreign ministers meeting which will take place on July 15. I will be visiting New Delhi after the Islamabad meeting at a mutually convenient date for the next round of talks,” Qureshi had said earlier. (ANI)