Need talks on Kashmir, says Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit

Abdul Basit, Pakistan High Commissioner in India said on Saturday that talks Pakistan too wanted talks on Kashmir. He also said the country made efforts to improve relations with India. "We did send invite to India, but it did not move forward. You all know that we took a step towards having dialogue but that didnt work out. We do feel talks on Kashmir needed," he said. 

His statement comes after Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday said that Pakistan was repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues. "Pakistan has been openly trying to provoke and fuel tensions in the valley. I am glad that PM Modi not only invited Nawaz Sharif for his oath taking ceremony but also went to Lahore to meet him," she added, "But unfortunately, Pathankot attack happened later. Sadly, Pakistan has repeatedly wasted chances to talk and resolve issues."

When asked about Dawood Ibrahim's homes in Pakistan, Basit said,  Abdul Basit said, "Ye baat purani ho gayee hai (The matter is too old now.)"

India's long-standing claim that one of the most-wanted terrorists, Dawood Ibrahim, has been living in safe houses provided by the Pakistan government got vindicated recently with the United Nations acknowledging and confirming six of the nine addresses provided by New Delhi as correct.

Pakistan has all along denied Dawood's presence despite India providing a watertight proof, with photographs and other evidence to Islamabad at least twice.