The peace process between Pakistan and India should not remain hostage to terrorist activities as any stalemate between the two countries will only benefit the militants, prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said today.
"The process of dialogue and negotiations between Pakistan and India should not continue to remain hostage (to) terrorist activities as the continued stalemate will only be to the advantage of militants and terrorists," Gilani said.
It is "imperative for Pakistan to have a peaceful eastern border" with India so that it can "focus wholeheartedly in its campaign on the western border" with Afghanistan to eliminate terrorism and militancy, Gilani said during a meeting with Chris Grayling, the British shadow home secretary.
Pakistan wants good relations with all its neighbours, including India and Afghanistan, and is "sincere in its endeavours to resume the composite dialogue with New Delhi to resolve all outstanding issues between the two countries in the interest of peace and stability of the region", he said.
India put the peace process on hold in the wake of the November 2008 terrorist attacks, which were carried out by members of the Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba.
New Delhi has linked the resumption of the dialogue to Islamabad taking action against the perpetrators of the assault that killed nearly 180 people.
