Federal Minister for Information, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said here on Sunday that President General Pervez Musharraf is taking bold steps to resolve the issues that have strained the relations of two neighbouring countries. India should take benefit of these moves realising the farsightedness and boldness behind it, he said while talking to newsmen at the residence of Tahir A. Khan, Managing Director, Interflow Communications Limited, at DHA.
Minister had especially flown in from Islamabad to offer condolence to Tahir A. Khan on the demise of his father. He flew back to Islamabad after offering Fateha.
Rashid said, the fundamentalists here had already been saying that India always backs out when Pakistan moves ahead with good intentions. This time India should avail the opportunity and respond in a positive way to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding, he added.
To a question, federal minister said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz during his visit to India would stress on his counterpart for developing better relations aimed at promoting trade relations and investment.
We have been exchanging delegations at all the levels and the communication links have been established, therefore we see no any obstacle to have dialogue and resolve all the issues.
On forthcoming visit of President Pervez Musharraf to USA and other countries, the information minister said it would open new venues for enhancing Pakistan's foreign trade. President Musharraf would also call on US President Bush on December 4 and hold talks on further strengthening the relations between the two countries.
To a question, Rashid dispelled the impression that Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain's Indian visit was at the behest of President Musharraf or it was part of Track-II diplomacy.
To a query about Prime Minister's meeting with opposition leader Maulana Fazalur Rehman and the results thereof, he said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz held 90-minute meeting with opposition leader on National Security Council.
Maulana Fazalur Rehman, being leader of opposition and Durani, the NWFP chief minister, being part of the government, should attend the NSC meeting and express their view point instead of issuing statements on the national issues, he said.
When asked that the opposition has objection over presence of men in uniform at the NSC, Sheikh Rashid said the presence of men in uniform was to resolve the issues holding dialogues mutually by the civilians and uniformed persons.