ISLAMABAD – Minister for Foreign Affairs said that India had cancelled theproposed meeting between the foreign ministers to divert attention from itsdomestic problems.

PM Narendra Modi is facing one of the worst corruption crisis linked withthe Rafael fighter jets deal with France.

Speaking to the journalists at the Pakistan embassy in Washington, theforeign minister said that India wants to use tactics for divertingattention from its internal matters by using enmity statements. “We wantedto hold foreign minister level talks to improve bilateral relations,” hesaid.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi mentioned that he is meeting US Secretary of StateMike Pompeo on October 2 to reset ties. “Pakistan wants peace in theregion,” he said adding that Pakistan reserves the right to counter anyaggression.

The foreign minister said that peace in Afghanistan is in Pakistan’s. Aninclusive approach is required to achieve a lasting political solution tothe conflict.