Terrorists in Gujarat: Leaking intelligence inputs to media unusual, says Pak

Reacting to the Indian media reports earlier this week that Pakistan National Security Adviser (NSA) Nasir Janjua passed on information about a possible terror attack in Gujarat, Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Tuesday said sharing of intelligence among various nations of the world is a routine practice and this happens around the world, however, this time it was somehow leaked to the media.

"Intelligence sharing between intelligence agencies is something that happens in all parts of the world, and Pakistan has also been doing it with its counterparts for many years," he said at a joint press conference with British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond here.

"The only thing unusual about this is that normally such intelligence-sharing is not leaked to the media. In this case, it was done," he added.

"I am not aware of details, but I think that it shows that Pakistan and India at least are also co-operating in this field to avoid any incident that can affect relationship. So, it's a good first step, I think," Aziz added.

His reaction came in the wake of the intelligence sharing by the Pakistan NSA with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval going viral in the India media.

Divulging details of a joint investigation team carrying out a probe into the Pathankot attack, Aziz said: "Our Joint Investigation Team is completing its work and is likely to go India in the next few days."

Hoping that the Foreign Secretary-level talks with India will resume in the near future, Aziz said, "As Indian High Commissioner made a statement that the two are not linked. So, I hope that the talks can be resumed soon, and I agree with the Foreign Secretary that dialogue is necessary on all issues, including terrorism, for it to move forward, because we should not allow extremists and other groups to hold (hostage) our foreign policy or better relations."

Hammond lauded Pakistan's role in the fight against terrorism and said Britain will continue its backing to Pakistan in the war.

Stating that Aziz and he also discussed the relationship between India and Pakistan and how to maintain the process of dialogue between the two countries, Hammond said, "I welcome Pakistan's commitment to vigorously pursue investigations into the Pathankot attack."

Urging Pakistan and India to resume the dialogue process for the longer benefit of the region, Hammond told both the governments not to allow non-state actors to harm the relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

"We strongly welcome the steps that have been taken to create dialogue between India and Pakistan and for the security of both countries, but also for the long term economic development of both countries collaboration is essential. We understand that its difficult; we understand that there are many people out there, who are trying to throw up reasons not to talk, reasons not to take the dialogue forward.

"I would urge both government not to allow non-state actors, whether they are terrorists, extremists or political pressure groups to derail a process, which I know the governments of Pakistan and India recognise, is necessary and is in the interests of their respective countries," said Hammond.