MULTAN Expressing Pakistans desire to further expand ties with Russia, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Saturday hinted at an initiative to enhance engagement between the two countries. The process is underway to boost relations with Russia and Central Asian Republics, he told journalists while addressing a news conference at Multan Airport. Qureshi said he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last month in New York as a follow-up of President Asif Ali Zardaris meeting with his counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, adding that Pakistan accorded special importance to relations with Russia. He further revealed that the UK had also expressed willingness to start engagement with Pakistan on pattern of Pak-US Strategic Dialogue. Similarly, European Union foreign affairs chief is also coming to Pakistan and a session will be held with her on European-Pakistan strategic relations, he added. Qureshi disclosed that the European Union was about to finalise Pakistans case for waiver of WTO restrictions, which would give greater access to Pakistani goods to EU markets. Its going to be a very important step for us economically as well as diplomatically, he remarked. Referring to the Strategic Dialogue with the US, he said both the countries were further expanding their cooperation. Weve moved a step ahead from mere military-to-military relations as were turning our ties to people centric to benefit the public, he remarked. The Pak-US relations are no more dependent on Afghanistan and we would remain friends even if the US quit Afghanistan. To a query, Qureshi said he was ready to brief the Parliament on the Strategic Dialogue. When the journalists drew his attention towards Oppositions criticism on Strategic Dialogue, he said it was their right. Otherwise, the dialogue has produced tangible results in terms of economic and defence assistance programmes. He said the Pakistani delegation forcefully presented Pakistans civil nuclear energy demands. Answering another question about alliance of Muslim Leagues different factions, he cited an Urdu proverb 'Delhi Door Ast (Delhi is still far away), saying let the things get mature. And by the way, its an internal affair of Muslim League. They have many factions and if they decide to sit together we have no need to comment, he added. To a question on Kashmir, the minister said he presented Pakistans principled position on Kashmir in the UN meeting in clear words. Though this stance was being avoided for the last few years, we presented it with a renewed pledge. It is criticised in India but it is Pakistans right to present its viewpoint, he asserted, adding that the entire world had admitted that the recent uprising in Kashmir was local and indigenous. About normalisation of Indo-Pak ties, he said Pakistan wanted to hold talks with India. But settlement of Kashmir issue is must for bringing the situation to normalcy. The Kashmiris should be listened to, as they are the major stakeholders. If any development takes place, it will be vital for regional peace, he observed. Replying a query on Pakistans role in settlement of Afghan issue, he said Pakistan had always wanted peace in Afghanistan and the ongoing talks between different Afghan groups were being held under policy of reconciliation and reintegration. And this policy is purely Afghan-led, he added. He categorically declared that Pakistan would not launch any operation in North Waziristan under foreign pressure. Well move forward in light of our priorities and needs, he added. Answering a question on imposition of agriculture tax, he said, If we want to keep the country functioning, we would have to pay taxes. The tax to GDP ratio in Pakistan was lowest in the region, indicating absence of direct taxation. Well have to go for direct taxation. Well have to bring those into tax net who are currently out, besides making tax collection system free of corruption and errors, he added. To a query on frequent meetings between civil and military leadership, he said it was a good omen for the country that a very healthy working relationship had developed between the two.