Talks to benefit both Pakistan and India: FO

ISLAMABAD: Resumption of talks between Pakistan and India is in the interest of both countries and is not a favour by either country to the other, a statement by the Foreign Office said on Thursday.“Let me underline that the talks will not be a favour by one country to the other, they are in our mutual interest,” Foreign Office spokesperson Abdul Basit said at a weekly press briefing.He said the peace process was unavoidable for viable peace and stability in the region and India’s hesitation to resume the dialogue process was incomprehensible, especially when it knew Pakistan was methodically probing into the Mumbai attacks.Basit said he was unaware if the government planned to release Sarabjit Singh, adding he had not seen the reports that non-bailable warrants had been issued by India for criminals in Pakistan’s custody.He called on the US to review its policy of drone attacks as losses by the attacks far outweighed the gains. “We will continue conveying the concerns of the people of Pakistan to them,” he said.Basit said India and Pakistan were working out dates for their secretary-level meeting. “The date and venue of the meeting have not been decided yet,” he added.