MUMBAI: Pakistan foreign minister Khursheed Kasuri has rejected news reports of a possible Pakistan link to the Samjhauta blasts, saying that in South Asia investigations cannot always be taken at face value, because investigators often present facts keeping political factors in mind.

Taking to TIMES NOW, Mr Kasuri was categorical in dismissing all initial leads and accusations, on who could be responsible for the tragedy.

Mr Kasuri was appearing on the TIMES NOW show "Frankly Speaking" where he was talking to Arnab Goswami. Here's the relevant excerpt:

Arnab: There is talk of a phone call being made to Pak Occupied Kashmir (POK). Sources have been quoted as saying that there is some Pakistani link to the Samjhauta blast. We would like to know what you think about it?

Kasuri: I would repeat what I said on the first day. It is totally counter-productive. To say that a Hindu or a Muslim or an Indian or a Pakistani (is responsible) you destroy the entire process of investigation. You know we live in South Asia, we know what our police and security agencies (are), you know the moment the leaders start saying something, you are supposed to produce results in consonance with what the leaders are saying. What I am saying is that lets hold our horses, let us wait for investigations to be completed let those details be shared with Pakistan and only then can we come to a conclusion.

The Pakistan foreign minister also made it clear that whatever the findings of the Indian investigating agencies, they would have to be ratified by Pakistani agencies if his government is to take any action. This comment assumes great significance given India's refusal to conduct a joint investigation into the Samjhauta blast, a unanimous demand of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Here's the relevant excerpt.

Arnab: What if evidence is given, what will you do with it?

Kasuri: Well if evidence is given to us and our investigators come to the same conclusion then whosoever is involved will be punished.

The Pakistan foreign minister also warned that the peace process will "fail" if it turns into a blame game or if India used it for "propaganda".

He said that now that India and Pakistan had turned over "a new leaf"the finger pointing must end, hinting at India's constantly offering different forms of evidence about Pakistan supporting terror groups.

Here's the relevant excerpt.

Kasuri: Both countries are suffering from terrorism. And let me tell you this (joint terror mechanism) will succeed for the simple reason that both countries have interest in it. And this is bound to fail if this is used for propaganda, for giving different swings, spins and twists.

Arnab: What propaganda?

Kasuri: Like 'I gave you that name, you gave me that name and what have you done?". Or saying that forty years ago that happened, or twenty years ago this happened. Nothing is going to work this way. You turned a new leaf when the two countries started talking to each other."

The interview with Pakistan Foreign Minister Khursheed Kasuri will be telecast on the show "Frankly Speaking with Arnab" at 2.30 pm and 8.30 pm on Sunday