Disputes with India need to be resolved for stability in the region: Pak

Pakistan on Friday welcomed New Delhi's decision to send its Foreign Secretary to Islamabad, reaffirming that it wants disputes and issues to be resolved with India for peace and stability in the subcontinent.

"Pakistan believes that the issues and disputes between Pakistan and India need to be resolved through dialogue for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. We have never shied away from engaging India," Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told the media.

"We welcome the decision of the Prime Minister of India to send the Foreign Secretary to Pakistan. The dates have not been confirmed yet. The two Foreign Secretaries will hold talks to discuss all issues of common interest. Agenda is yet to be finalised," she added.

Aslam also stated that though many initiatives taken by India and Pakistan are 'positive', the issues between the two countries could only be resolved through dialogue.

"There are number of track-II initiatives and events between Pakistan and India which take place regularly... While the track-II efforts are positive, they do not and cannot replace the direct, formal and structured talks between Pakistan and India. We believe that the issues between the two countries need to be resolved through dialogue. This is vital for peace, stability and prosperity in the region," she said.