Not in Pak's interest to allow territories to be used for terror activities in other countries: Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday conceded that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries and said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to bring peace between the two neighbours.

Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities in India.

Referring to his call for improving ties with India, Khan at the same time said one-sided initiative will not last long and that Pakistan was willing to wait for reciprocity from India till general elections are held there.

"It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside our country," Khan, who completed 100 days in office Thursday, told a group of Indian journalists.

After a spate of terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups including on the Pathankot air force base, India refused to engage with Pakistan till it contains cross-border terrorism.

Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue, adding the mindset of Pakistani people have changed and they want peace.

"I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding "nothing is impossible" when asked whether it is possible to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue.

Asked whether his government will take action against India's 'Most Wanted' terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, Khan evaded a direct reply saying, "We can't live in the past. We should leave behind the past and look forward. We also have a list of wanted people in India."
Elaborating on the Kashmir issue, Khan said, "India should look at the Kashmir issue differently and not as a territorial issue. If nothing else, we want the government of India to o something for people of Kashmir."