Pakistan and US to hold strategic dialogue this month: FO

Pakistan and the United States will hold a strategic- level dialogue in Islamabad this January, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

Addressing the media in Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said US Secretary of State John Kerry would visit Pakistan to lead his country's delegation in the talks. She said arrangements for the strategic dialogue, including visit dates, are being finalised.

Responding to a question about cross- border firing by India in Shakargarh, the spokesperson said Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with the Indian deputy high commissioner and handed over a protest note to him that contained details of the incident.

Tasnim said the country's soldiers were asked to meet the other side with white flags and were then ambushed. This, she added, was a sheer violation of international laws and bilateral understandings.

"Pakistan has demanded India to investigate the incident and give exemplary punishment to those responsible," the foreign office spokesperson said.

When asked about case of Mumbai attack's main accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, the spokesperson regretted the hype created on the sub judice matter and said the case was progressing well but the media trial would not serve any purpose.

Further, she pointed out that the Samjhota Express terror attack took place two years before the Mumbai attack yet no progress has been made in the case.

"The accused Swami Aseemanand, who had confessed his involvement and those of military officers and prominent leaders in the attack, was released on bail," Tasnim added. "It is disappointing that India has not shared any findings of the terrorist attack with Pakistan despite assurances at the highest level."

To a question, the foreign office spokesperson reiterated Pakistan's resolve against terrorism. She said the government was working with the International community, including Afghanistan and the US, to counter this menace.

About the future prospects of the Indo-Pak dialogue, Tasnim also said the Indian side cancelled the scheduled foreign secretary level talks and that the onus lied with them to take the initiative.

When asked about the PakistanIran gas pipeline project, the spokesperson categorically stated that Pakistan has always remained committed to the pipeline project, which is important for our energy requirements and that both sides were bilaterally engaged to take forward the project. Speaking about Afghanistan, the official said Pakistan was consistently sup- porting a responsible draw down from the neighboring country. She also expressed the confidence that the transition in Afghanistan will be completed in an orderly and successful manner and added that peace and stability in Afghanistan was vital for Pakistan and the region. To another question, the spokesperson said the year 2014 saw Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan and Iran on a very positive trajectory, and the country hopes to build on this in the New Year.

She also emphasised that understanding with the US was also increased during the last year, while new vistas were opened with Russia.