Indo-Pak Talks for Re-opening Indian Consulate in Karachi Underway  
Pakistan Times National News Desk

KARACHI: State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Khusro Bakhtiar has said that the talks were underway with the Indian authorities regarding the reopening of Indian Consulate in Karachi.

He stated this while talking to newsmen at a reception hosted in honour of Consul Generals and Honorary Consul Generals in Karachi at the State Guest House.

Iran has a right to develop nuclear energy under safeguards as outlined by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, he said: "Iran should, at the same time, abide by its commitments under Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT)".

"We will oppose any military action against Iran," the State Minister categorically said and added that we have excellent relations with our neighbour Iran and we are also working towards further strengthening of these bilateral ties.

The project of Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) Gas pipeline is a manifestation and a step in that direction, he pointed out.

He said there is already too much instability in the region and therefore we oppose any military invasion in Iran, as this kind of act would only work towards deterioration of the present circumstances.

Referring to Pakistan's policy with regard to bringing stability in the region, he said President General Pervez Musharraf's recent visit to Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries reflects our intention and desire to have a lasting peace in the region.

We want that there should be cohesion in the present policies of diverse nature in this regard, he added.

He said it is in our strategic national interest that there is peace in the region and disputes are resolved only through diplomatic and negotiated channels.

To another question, the State Minister said the Minister of Foreign Affairs would soon visit Delhi and have detailed discussions with the Indian Government for achieving decisions on pending issues.

Consul Generals and Honorary Consul Generals representing their respective countries in Karachi, business elite and others dignitaries attended the reception.●