Reports of incursion into Indian territory baseless: Pak envoy

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Salman Bashir today dismissed as "baseless" reports of infiltration from its soil into Keran sector in Jammu and Kashmir, dubbing it as a "very negative narrative".

Bashir also took a swipe at Indian media, saying "Pakistan-bashing" has become its "favourite pastime" and that some news channels made a "good business" out of it.
Bashir, who is on a three-day visit to Hyderabad, made these remarks at a press conference, while debunking reports about the recent massive infiltration by terrorists from across the border. Indian Army's encounter with the holed up terrorists, meanwhile, continued for the 13th day today.

He asserted that the issue of infiltrations and incursions should be left to military authorities to handle.

"The narrative you are hearing about incursions and infiltrations is baseless. But, rather than commenting on this very negative narrative about incursions, what we have been saying, and repeat, is let the competent authorities, the military authorities, deal with this issue", he said to a query on the latest infiltration from Pakistan into India.

Stating that Pakistan wants to have good relations with India, Bashir said it is ready for a "broad-ranging, sincere and clear-sighted" dialogue with this country to resolve all issues. He stressed on the need for reinforcing the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) between the two neighbouring countries.

"If there are issues (for India), we have concerns equally. Let us address each other's concerns and the logical and rational way forward... the civilised way for this is to have a dialogue. Pakistan is ready for this," he said.

"There is a will and determination on both sides to build friendship and improve relations. This was evident in the recent meeting of the Prime Ministers of the two countries in New York. The one logical way to resolve all issues is through dialogue. That is essential for development of the two nations," he added.

Repeating that the whole narrative of terrorism by Pakistan is misplaced, Bashir said it was suffering more due to terror than anybody else. "What is the source of funding for these terrorists, in Pakistan, India and elsewhere? Fidayeen are being used as fodder. But who are their masters," he asked.

"We have no second thoughts. In Pakistan's national interest, we need to have good relations with India. Aspirations in the two nations are the same. Ground realities should be looked at in an objective way," the Pakistan envoy said.

"Twisted reports (by media) prove to be a big disservice not only to our friendship, peace and future of peoples but they also hold us back from friendship and realising our potential as nation states," he added.