New Delhi, Nov 28: Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit today said that Pakistan is ready for a dialogue with India on the sidelines of the Heart of Asia conference which is scheduled in Amritsar, Punjab next week. Earlier this week, the visit of de facto Sartaj Aziz for Heart of Asia (HOA) conference was reported to be a curtailed one. Also Read - Inspired by Sushant Singh Rajput, Pakistani Man Buys Land On Moon For His Wife As Wedding Gift

In an exclusive talk with Aaj Tak, Basit said that the schedule of Pakistan’s foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz is not cast in stone and if there was an offer for talks from the host nation, then it would be accepted by Pakistan. Basit was also reported saying, “We can delay talks for months or even for years. But ultimately, a solution to the problems between India and Pakistan can only come through dialogue, and therefore, both nations must sit and discuss all the issues that confront them.” Also Read - Proud Moment! 17-Year-Old Surat Girl Appointed Green Ambassador By United Nations Environment Programme

Earlier this month, Aziz said that Pakistan will hold a dialogue with India only if the Kashmir issue is on the agenda. As per reports by Aaj Tak, Basit said that Pakistan’s democracy is a matured one in which the era of military coups is over and an equilibrium has been set. “The voice of the people and democracy is becoming stronger. There’s no question of a military coup in the future,” Basit said.(ALSO READ: Heart of Asia conference: Sartaj Aziz likely to curtail India visit, skip bilateral dialogues) Also Read - 16 Countries Provide Visa-Free Entry to Indian Passport Holders: Govt Tells Rajya Sabha

As per reports, Aziz would be accompanied by Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan Syed Abrar Hussain and senior MoFA official Mansoor Khan. External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will not be attending the HOA conference due to ailments and India is likely to be represented by MoS for external affairs M J Akbar.

The Heart of Asia conference is scheduled to be next week in Amritsar and will last from December 3-4. The meet will not only explore peace and stability in Afghanistan, but also underscore the value of restoring connectivity and achieving prosperity. Foreign ministers of 14 countries are expected to participate in the conference. Aziz on November 25 said that Pakistan was ready for a dialogue with India on the condition that Kashmir dispute was part of it.

Pakistan’s adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaz Aziz had earlier said that unlike India, that had sabotaged the SAARC summit in Pakistan by pulling out, Pakistan will respond by participating in the Heart of Asia being held in Amritsar, India, on December 3.