Pak refutes PM Modi's charge, says India stalling dialogue to avoid 'Kashmir' issue

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement where he placed the onus of stalled talks on Pakistan, Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz asserted that New Delhi was avoiding dialogue with Islamabad to avoid negotiations on crucial issues such as Kashmir.

Quoting Radio Pakistan, the Dawn reported that Aziz stressed that it was India, not Pakistan who was backing away from holding dialogues.

He said that Pakistan had plans for extensive talks with India on issues such as Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, economic cooperation, trade, visas and the detainment of fishermen, amongst others.

Aziz also alleged that the Indian Army had rejected an earlier agreement regarding Siachen between the two governments, as they had "stakes" in the glacier.

In a recent interview to Times Now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that due to his diplomatic efforts, India was not reluctant to engage with Pakistan.

"Our approach has created difficulties for Pakistan, and they find it hard to respond on the matter in the international community," he said.

The Prime Minister also claimed there are "different types of forces operating in Pakistan", and asked in a rhetoric fashion if one has to draw a line or set conditions for dialogue, will it be "with the elected government or other actors?"

Dialogue between the hostile neighbours hit a major roadblock after the attack on the Indian Air Force base in Pathankot in January.