Patna: Accusing Pakistan of pursuing a dual approach towards terrorism, External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha on January 19 ruled out the possibility of a dialogue with Islamabad until it stopped promoting cross-border terrorism.

''It is extremely disconcerting and disturbing for us that Pakistan is continuing to promote cross-border terrorism....no talks for resolving outstanding issues can be held in this atmosphere of mistrust and animosity,'' Sinha told reporters.

Accusing Pakistan of following a dual approach in tackling international terrorism, Sinha charged it with backing terrorist activities in India despite being part of the international coalition against terrorism.

Being part of the international coalition against terrorism Pakistan is committed to end the menace, but its commitment to the cause, however, needs universal confirmation, Sinha said.

''On the Western side of its borders (Afghanistan) it is fighting terrorism alongside the world community while on the East it is promoting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir,'' he said regretting the world community had not fully succeeded in applying brakes on Pakistan's misdemeanour.

Asserting that India was capable of defending its frontiers, Sinha said, ''We will crush terrorism and militancy the way we did in Punjab.''

Replying to a question on the future of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation), he shifted the responsibility on Pakistan for frequent postponement of its summit meetings.

Pakistan, by blocking initiatives for enhanced economic co-operation between the SAARC member-countries, has become the greatest stumbling block, he said.

PTI