New Delhi, Nov 10: Pakistan tonight said Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is "the only leader" who can take "bold steps" to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries as he was rated highly by its people.
"Vajpayee is the only leader who can take bold steps to resolve Indo-Pak issues. Other than him, I think it is all darkness," Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid, who is here to attend the two-day Saarc information ministers' conference beginning tomorrow, told reporters here.
"Vajpayee is an extremely experienced man and nobody can beat experience," he said.
Rashid, who arrived here early this morning from Dubai on board an Indian Airlines flight, expressed hope that the Indian Prime Minister along with his colleagues will be able to take steps to find solutions to Indo-Pak problems.
Asked to elaborate, Rashid said, "For the intelligent, a pointer should be enough."
He also expressed Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with India on all outstanding issues including Kashmir.
Stating that he had brought with him "the message of peace", Rashid said, "Pakistan has always supported the cause of peace.”
Describing the Saarc information ministers' conference as a very important event, Rashid said, "There is still bitterness between India and Pakistan and hawkish statements continue to emanate against each other besides test-firing of missiles. The forum of Saarc had a key role, which could help over come this bitterness," he added.
The people of the two countries could be brought together through media, but for this purpose, India will have to adopt positive posture, he added.
Rashid also suggested that China and Iran should be included in Saarc to expand this important forum.
Bureau Report