Islamabad, Oct 19: In a rare appearance by an Israeli leader on Pakistan television, former Prime Minister Shimon Peres today denied persistent Pakistani reports that Israel was helping the India against Pakistan-supported guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan is not our enemy," Peres said adding "I deny it completely and fully. Israel does not play any role in Kashmir".

In an interview on the private news channel geo conducted by a linkup from a studio in the United States, he said the India-Israeli military relationship should not prevent Pakistan from discussing bilateral ties, saying Islamabad has relations with other countries that also sell arms to India. Former Pakistani Foreign Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Khan, appearing on the same TV programme as Peres, said Pakistan should take the veteran Israeli statesman at his word, despite reports that Israel was involved in Kashmir and was training Indian troops.

Bureau Report