Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit. – File Photo by AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said it is looking forward for meaningful engagements with India to promote peace and security in the region.

“President Asif Ali Zardari, during his forthcoming visit to India on Sunday will discuss all the issues with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to promote intra-regional peace and prosperity in this part of the world,” said Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit in his weekly press briefing here at Foreign Office on Thursday.

The spokesman said, “We are looking forward for constructive engagement between the two leaders in New Delhi.” He said the two leaders will discuss all the issues which continue to take priority in bilateral relations.

He said the meeting between President Zardari and his Indian counterpart provide an opportunity to contribute Pakistan’s vision of intra-regional cooperation to ensure peace and security in the region.

He said the engagements between the Pakistan and India are necessary for building trust but clarified that Pakistan will not compromise on the outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir.

He said, “there is no question of changing our position on Jammu and Kashmir” adding that fair and just settlement of the core issue is imperative for lasting peace in the region.

Replying to a question about reports of new missile test by India, the spokesman said Pakistan will maintain its credible defence.

Expressing concern on the violation of human rights in Indian-administered Kashmir, the spokesman expressed the satisfaction that the international community is also increasingly focusing on the grave and serious human rights violation in the occupied territory.

He said there are no two views to revoke the draconian armed forces power acts and other such laws which have added to the miseries of the Kashmiri people. He said the people of Kashmir are struggling for their self-determination and no amount of repression could suppress this indigenous movement.