ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reiterated that durable peace in the region is linked to resolution of all issues and disputes between Pakistan and India.
Responding to questions at the weekly news briefing in Islamabad this afternoon, Pakistani foreign ministry spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam pointed out that the two countries have a framework to discuss an eight-point agenda but the process stands disrupted for the last three years.
"Pakistan looks forward to resumption of that process for the sake of regional peace and in order to allow the two countries to focus on economic development," the spokesperson said.
To another question the spokesperson said Pakistan is a recognized and legitimate party to Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Asked what kind of relations Pakistan will have with India if Narendra Modi wins elections, she said we deal with countries and it is for people of India to elect whoever they deem fit.
Responding to comments of an Afghan official about talks with Taliban, the spokesperson said talks with TTP are internal matter of Pakistan and nobody has the right to interfere in the country's internal affairs.
She pointed out that Afghan government itself is keen to talk to the Taliban.
Welcoming the successful conduct of elections in Afghanistan, she said the continuation of democracy there is vital for peace and stability in the region.
She said Pakistan extended consistent support for a free electoral process and took a number of measures to reinforce existing security arrangements to help efforts for peaceful conduct of elections.
These included enhanced vigilance and security along entire length of Pak-Afghan border; sealing of all the crossing points, deployment of additional troops, aerial surveillance, and enhanced communication through border coordination centres.
At the request of the Afghan government, border crossing points at Torkham and Chaman were kept open to enable eligible Afghan voters in Pakistan to go to Afghanistan to vote.
The spokesperson said Pakistan will work with the next Afghan government and try to give further impetus to bilateral relations in all fields.
To a question about the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Iran, the spokesperson said that dates of the visit are being sorted out and it is likely to take place in the first half of the current year.