Islamabad: Pakistan on June 16 sought to play down Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's comments against President Pervez Musharraf's remarks on Kargil and called for quickening the pace of dialogue process.

Asked about Advani's reaction to Musharraf's remarks that he would not rule out another Kargil, Pakistan foreign office spokesman Masood Khan said both the countries should not confine to statements coming from different quarters.

"Let us look at the overall context and let us try to reinforce the process of engagement that has been started recently," Khan said.

To a question whether reported Indian choice to hold talks at the level of Musharraf was an insult to Prime Minister Jamali, he said, "I do not think that they are picking and choosing. What they are saying is that they are reacting to statements that have been made from here. What is more important is that the Indian leadership should talk loudly and clearly about the dialogue and resuming the dialogue. That is important. Pakistan is ready for talks at any level," he said.

In an interview, Musharraf said that Kashmir still remained a core issue but it would be discussed along with all other issues with India.

Before embarking on a four-nation tour, Musharraf also parried questions about reports of ban or restrictions by Pakistan on the activities of Hizbul MujahIdeen.

Asked about contradictory statements made by Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat on this issue, he said he was against terrorism.

PTI