President Patil Wants Pak to be Sincere on Terror
Apparently referring to Pakistan’s shifting stand on the culprits behind the Mumbai terror attack, President Pratibha Patil has said that India seeks to redesign relations with Pakistan but wants Islamabad to be sincere in stopping terrorist outfits from launching attacks in India.
“My government will seek to reshape our relationship with Pakistan depending on the sincerity of Pakistan to confront groups who launch terrorist attacks against India from its territory,” she said in her address to the joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament.
The President was referring to the frigid peace process following Mumbai terror attack executed by elements operating from Pakistan. It should be mentioned that on Tuesday itself, a Pakistani court set free Hafiz Saeed, the leader JuD, who allegedly masterminded the last year’s terror strike in which 170 people were killed, 26 of them foreigners.
Patil said that in India’s foreign policy, “highest priority” would be given to working with neighbours and the government would “sincerely work with out neighbours to ensure that outstanding issues are addressed and the full potential of our religion is released”.
The President also said that the government would pursue a policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism, from whatever source it originates.
About the rest of South Asia, she said, “In Nepal and Bangladesh, where multi-party democracy has returned, India will work closely with both countries to expand bilateral ties for mutual benefit.”
