India’s defence build-up will disturb stability in region: FO

Pakistan on Thursday said that the defence buildup pursued by India will disturb stability in the region.

At a weekly news briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria while raising concern over the exceptional treatment being meted out to New Delhi by the Nuclear Supplier Group said, “Pakistan seeks peace in the region and is therefore against any arms race.”

Zakaria categorically rejected any obstacles in the way of Pakistan-India foreign secretary level talks. ”Both countries are in touch with each other to work out mutually convenient dates for the talks,” he added.

Upon being asked about progress on the Pathankot attack case, the spokesperson said that a special investigation team is set to visit India to collect evidence of the airbase attack.

“The Kashmiris’ movement for their right to self-determination is indigenous and enjoys popular support. It cannot be linked with any terrorism,” the spokesperson said while responding to another question.

Referring to Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the FO spokesperson said that the launch of the final phase of the operation in North Waziristan is a clear manifestation of Pakistan’s resolve to root out terrorism from the country.

Discussing the Afghan peace process, Zakaria announced that Afghan groups, including Taliban, have been invited to the talks with the government in Kabul. ”It was decided that no pre-conditions will be acceptable for the peace talks,” he reiterated.