New Delhi: Lamenting the absence of warmth in the relations between India and Pakistan, Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's

National Assembly Maulana Fazlur Rehman said here on Wednesday that boli (dialogue) and not goli (bullets) was the only way to move forward.

Reception organised

Speaking at a reception organised in his honour by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind (JUH), Maulana Rehman said the biggest challenge facing the leadership in both countries was the kind of legacy they would leave behind for future generations. "Will we leave a peaceful future for those who come after us, or more violence?" he asked, stressing that he had come to India with a message of peace from the people of Pakistan.

``Terrorism a crime''

Maulana Rehman, a leader of the Islamist opposition grouping Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, criticised the "world powers" waging war on the people of Afghanistan and Iraq in the name of fighting terrorism. "As far as terrorism is concerned," he said, "it is a crime no matter what shape it comes in. No Muslim or human being can support it. But you cannot call someone a terrorist, attack him and only bother about the truth later. This is not justice."

Situation in Afghanistan not good

The situation in Afghanistan was not good, Maulana Rehman said. "We want peace and democracy to flourish there. Those elements who are using violence — you can call them Taliban or anything else — should join the system and fight elections. If the road is not open for them to do so now, some way should be found," he said.

Pakistan wanted peace on both its borders, east and west, and must work with India to develop a joint strategy for the stabilisation of Afghanistan, he said.

Among those present at the reception were former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah, and M.M. Pallam Raju, Minister of State for Defence.

Maulana Rehman, who is visiting India at the invitation of the JUH, has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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