"It is time for Pakistan to give up jihadi option forever, only when we do that, we will have credibility in international community," said Haqqani.
Terming terror attacks in India perpetrated by agents from across the border as a deliberate hindrance to peace talks, Haqqani told ANI, "Terrorists have always wished to interrupt talks between India and Pakistan through terror attacks. But India and Pakistan must understand that there is no other way than a peaceful bilateral dialogue. No terrorist is a friend of Kashmir, India or Pakistan."
He called upon the Pakistani government to up the ante against terror if it wanted to show the world that it was serious against militancy. "Pakistan government continues to say that it is trying to eliminate terror and efforts have been started, but they are not enough. Pakistan needs to make it clear to the world and to India that no jihadi group will have safe haven in Pakistan anymore," said Haqqani.
Pakistan itself has suffered in the hands of terror spawning in its backyard, felt Haqqani and said it was high time that the people in-charge accepted this. He averred, "The acceptance and tolerance towards jihadi groups over the past has harmed Pakistan more than any other country in region."
The former Pakistani envoy to the US condemned Friday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and said effort was required from Pakistan to build confidence and move towards healthier, meaningful dialogue between the two countries. "Kathua attack should not only be condemned, but Pakistan must extend cooperation in finding out which groups based in Pakistan are behind it. Only then can the confidence be built which will enable India and Pakistan to move forward in a comprehensive dialogue," added Haqqani.
He said the action taken by the Pakistani administration against terror outfit TTP was welcomed but it was serving just as a flash in the pan in the larger scheme of things. "Action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan is a positive step, however, it is an inadequate step," said Haqqani, and added, "Unless Pakistan acts against Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, JeM, all jihadi groups, wherever they might be operating Pakistan will continue to be suspected by international community of harbouring terrorists."
Haqqani called Pakistan High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit's decision to engage with Hurriyat Conference leaders from Kashmir 'a diplomatic faux pas' and criticised the move. "It was ill-advised to engage so publicly with groups from Kashmir that newly elected Indian government did not look upon positively," said Haqqani.
He called upon both nations to change their perception of each other and engage in dialogue with renewed vigour. "There will be occasions when India will call off talks, Pakistan will ocassionally back away from talks due to India's comments. Fundamental change is needed. Pakistan must stop looking at India as existential threat and permanent enemy. And India should stop looking at Pakistan through partition prism," said Haqqani.
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