Pak believes dialogue only way forward: Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Pakistan strongly believes that dialogue is the "only way forward" to resolve bilateral disputes with India and embark upon peace and prosperity in the region, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said today, a day after parleys with his Indian counterpart SM Krishna resulted in no major breakthrough.

Qureshi made the remarks during a meeting with Australian Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Campbell-Smith.

He briefed the Australian Special Representative on the Indo-Pak talks in Islamabad and told him that Pakistan believes that dialogue was the "only way forward" to resolve bilateral disputes and embark upon the path of peace and prosperity.

Qureshi earlier said New Delhi appeared unwilling to commit to a roadmap for future engagement as he sought to blame India for the "last-minute hitch" in talks.

Qureshi also discussed with Campbell-Smith the situation in Afghanistan, the upcoming Kabul Conference and recent "positive developments" in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, said a statement from the Foreign Office. 

Qureshi and Campbell-Smith discussed activities of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan and the Senior Officials' Meeting of the forum being held in Islamabad tomorrow.

They agreed that FODP is an important forum that has expanded its activities to help Pakistan's socio-economic development.