Indo-Pak talks should not be held hostage to 26/11

Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani made the comments to a delegation of American Senators led by Robert P Casey here.

Gilani mentioned about the recent "fruitful visit" of the Pakistan Foreign Minister to India and also earlier visits of the Commerce Secretary and Interior Secretary and exchange of at senior level between the two countries.

He said that it was "welcome realisation" on the part of India that the talks between India and Pakistan should not be held hostage to terrorist attack of Mumbai, a statement issued by the Prime Minister`s house said.

Meanwhile, Gilani asked the US to devise a common strategy that covers relationship of the two countries beyond 2014 and stressed that both should learn to trust each other.

He also admitted to divergence of view with the US.

The Prime Minister called upon the delegation to devise a common strategy that covers relationship of the two countries beyond 2014 and which is also instrumental in assisting each other in intelligence sharing and defence co-operation with a view to keep the region stable.