Pak will have to take initiative over talks with India, says Naqvi

He said the main problem between India and Pakistan relations is terrorism and militancy

Reacting to Pakistan's National Security and Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz's statement that India should call for dialogues between the two countries first, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here on Friday that Pakistan will have to make the first move to resume talks with India.

"Pakistan will have to take the initiative over talks with India as they need to answer about the terrorists moving freely in the country," said Naqvi.

"The main problem between India and Pakistan relations is terrorism and militancy, if Pakistan will keep protecting the terrorists and keep talking to them and then would also look forward to maintaining good relations with India then it will be a huge obstacle and Pakistan needs to understand that," Naqvi added.

Also reiterating that terror and talks can never go together, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "India had made absolutely clear that terror and talks would not move hand in hand. As far as the friendly negotiations are concerned, India was the first country to extend an invitation to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif when the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to take place, we had extended a hand of friendship but it was Pakistan who rejected in a very dubious manner."

Earlier today, rejecting the view that Pakistan has repeatedly violated the cease-fire arrangement on the Line of Control (Loc) and the International Border (IB), and adding that meeting with Kashmiri separatist leaders is a normal practice, Sartaj Aziz said in New York that foreign secretary-level talks between Pakistan and India can resume if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes the initiative.