Let UN forces deal with terrorism in Kashmir

"If you think we are encouraging infiltrators into Kashmir, why don't you agree to a UN-controlled peacekeeping force jointly patrolling under the UN auspices," Pakistan's Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat said.

Participating in BBC World's weekly programme "Question Time Pakistan" broadcast on Friday, Hayat claimed that none of the jihadi organisations were working in Pakistan.

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"We do not allow Jihadi organisations in Pakistan. They (India) have mentioned a few organisations (that they say) are working in Kashmir, over which Pakistan has no control. We have already told them (the Indian Government) to give us evidence."

He disagreed with New Delhi's expectation that activities of Jihadi groups in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir should be curbed before any dialogue between the two nations could begin.

Answering a question on Sharia law, Hayat criticised the introduction of Sharia law in its present form in the North West Frontier Province.

He attacked the provincial government there, led by the Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal alliance of six religious parties. "If we follow their brand of politics, if we follow their brand of Islam, their brand of religion, (it) will be leading us once again towards the Talibanisation of Pakistan," he stated.

Government officials in the Province have been directed to say prayers or face strict disciplinary action.

Commenting on that, Hayat said: "Whatever the MMA has announced in NWFP is absolutely and totally repugnant to the spirit of Islam. Nowhere in Islam is it said that harsh treatment be meted out if you don't say your prayers."

ANI adds: Even as the Indo-Pak peace process is in progress, it seems Islamabad has given up its peace overtures and taken a tougher stance as far as resolution of the Kashmir issue is concerned.