Pakistan, India can resolve their disputes through dialogue: Khawaja Asif

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India can resolve their disputes through dialogue and they should adopt the path of negotiations, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said today.

"Pakistan desires peace with India but its desire should not be taken as its weakness," Asif was quoted as saying by the Radio Pakistan.

Talking to reporters after addressing a function at Institute of Strategic Studies here, Asif said that soon after assuming office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his desire for peace with India.

The Defence Minister regretted that for the last few months, "this desire has been misconceived by the other side."

He said that the "unprovoked firing" by Indian forces is not good for peace.

Asif said contacts and trade between SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries should be increased for rapid development and prosperity of the region.

He also said peace and stability in Afghanistan is imperative for peace in the region and added that no country should interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

Asif said Pakistan will not interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.