Common friends trying to defuse Indo-Pak tensions: Gilani

LAHORE: Asserting that war is not in the interest of any country, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that "common friends" of India and Pakistan are engaged in diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions between the neighbours in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.

"The peace-loving countries and the common friends of Pakistan and India are playing their role to defuse tensions" between the two sides, he told reporters here last night, apparently referring to countries like the US.

War is not in the interest of any country and all issues should be resolved through dialogue, Gilani said on the sidelines of a wedding ceremony for the son of former foreign minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.

Pakistan wants peace and will not initiate any military aggression, he said.

"The nation, government, politicians and Pakistan Army are united to defend the country," he said, adding if war is imposed on Pakistan, it will give a befitting response.

The army is effectively playing its role to defend the geographical frontiers of the country and is capable of meeting any eventuality, he said.

Gilani claimed that India is levelling allegations against Pakistan without any proof. He said the government will take action against any persons linked to the Mumbai terror attacks if it is given evidence of their involvement.

"Pakistan has offered to conduct a joint investigation into the Mumbai attacks but we have received no response from the Indian side," he said.

Gilani said he hoped the Indian government will act responsibly and not resort to any aggression.