Pakistan's doublespeak! Top diplomat says India should not fall into terrorist groups' trap

Washington: A top diplomat of Pakistan on Wednesday said in the United States that his country's "offer of dialogue" with India stands as he urged New Delhi not to fall into the trap of terrorist groups by withholding dialogue with Islamabad.

"We want peaceful, cooperative (and) good neighborly relationship with India. Our offer of dialogue with India stands," Pakistan's new Ambassador to the US Aizaz Chaudhry told a Washington audience.

Chaudhry, who arrived in the United States some two weeks ago, said, "It is unfortunate that terrorist groups strike every time a peace process or dialogue starts between India and Pakistan. As a result of which India withdraws from the dialogue. This is what terrorist wants."

He said that terrorists are no friend of either India or Pakistan and urged New Delhi not to fall into the trap of?such terrorist groups by pulling back from talks.

Responding to a question at the US Institute of Peace, a top American think-tank, he insisted that if India and Pakistan can continue their talks even after such strikes, this would result in frustration by terrorists groups.

"I believe that if India and Pakistan keep talking it would frustrate the terrorists. We have repeatedly stressed the importance of dialogue. We will wait for a time when India is ready for a dialogue. We believe that answer to problem lies with talks," Chaudhry said.

However, he adopted a tough approach when asked about trade between the two countries and transit trade between Afghanistan and India through Pakistan.

"We need same civilized dialogue. The ground realities do not allow that to happen," he said observing that the Pakistani leadership is well aware of the benefits of the trade.
The Pakistani diplomat claimed that his country is committed to taking action against all terrorist groups.

Pakistan is committed not to allow any terrorist groups from acting from its soil, he said.

Chaudhry said the perception prevailing in the US is lagging behind the realities of Pakistan.

"The realities on the ground are moving at a much faster pace," he said, adding that there is a nationwide consensus against terrorism in his country.

"We are now engaged in combing out terrorist who are hiding behind in urban centers," he said, noting that all this has had an impact on economy of Pakistan which is now growing at a much faster pace. 

(With PTI inputs)