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Pakistan-India dialogue: Just talks, no major breakthrough
Both sides agree to work on nuclear-related CBMs and consider additional cross-LoC measures.
Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir (R) looks at his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao (L) during a joint press conference at The Pakistan Foreign Ministry in Islamabad on June 24, 2011. PHOTO: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
Top diplomats from Pakistan and India on Friday concluded their two-day talks without any major breakthrough on the longstanding Kashmir dispute after New Delhi said the issue cannot be resolved under “the shadow of the gun.”
However, the parleys between Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir and his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao produced some positive results with both sides agreeing to work on new nuclear-related Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and expand trade and travel across the Line of Control, a ceasefire line that separates the Indian and Pakistani controlled parts of Kashmir.
A joint statement issued after the talks said the two foreign secretaries discussed the issue of Jammu and Kashmir and agreed to continue negotiations with an aim to narrow down their differences.
The talks on Kashmir were the first over the last three years, but as expected, were marred by the controversy surrounding the investigations into the Mumbai attacks.
The two sides attempted to dispel the negativity surrounding the talks as the foreign secretaries dropped their original plans to address a separate news conference in favour of a joint appearance.
At the news conference with Bashir, Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao insisted that a step-by-step approach is needed for peace and reconciliation.
“We must do away with the shadow of the gun and extremist violence because it’s only in an atmosphere free of terror and violence that we can discuss to resolve such a complex issue,” was Rao’s response when asked for comments on the progress made with regard to the Kashmir dispute.
Referring to the trial of suspects in the Mumbai attacks by Pakistan, she said India needed “satisfactory closure” in order to proceed with the process of normalising ties.
But she described the agreement on strengthening and expanding the existing CBMs related to the Kashmir problem as an important step.
“I have always maintained that people are at the heart of our relationship and we must help the people of Jammu and Kashmir to connect with each other, to trade, to travel more easily,” she added.
On his part, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said Pakistan did understand Indian concerns on the Mumbai incident.
“We hope and expect that the issue of terrorism requires objectivity…requires to be addressed in collaborative approach,” he added.
Earlier, a joint statement read out by Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said the talks were held in a frank and cordial atmosphere.
The two sides decided to convene separate expert level meetings on nuclear and conventional CBMs to discuss implementation and strengthening of existing arrangements and to consider additional measures.
The foreign secretaries noted that both countries recognise that terrorism poses a continuing threat to peace and security and they reiterated the firm and undiluted commitment of the two countries to fight and eliminate this scourge in all its forms and manifestations.
According to the statement, both sides agreed to the need for promoting friendly exchanges between the two countries.
They noted with satisfaction the progress made towards finalisation of the visa agreement which will help liberalise the visa regime and facilitate people-to-people, business-to-business and sports contacts.
While reports from Indian newspapers Hindustan Times and Indian Express also focused on the Kashmir dispute not being resolved under the “shadow of gun,” The Times of India reported that India has raised the issue of Pakistan’s chief spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence’s links with the Mumbai attacks.
The foreign secretaries will meet again in New Delhi, on a date to be decided through diplomatic channels, to prepare for the meeting of the foreign ministers in New Delhi next month.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2011.
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Delay and keep talking!!
Pakistan wont be in position to ask for kashmir!!
kashmir wont like to join banana republic !!
India should maintain peace,law and order in valley and pakistan can continue to work to fight taliban and extremistsRecommend
peace between two countries is need of the hour.look on USA and Canada.Those two countries made such huge development because of very very good relation between two countries.So come on india pakistan.Make peace..no much spend on defence,lots of trade and then look develoment of two countries.Recommend
“The two sides did not share any further details on the talks.”
I guess there was nothing much to share if you have read Krishna’s talk and put it against Pakistan’s non cooperationRecommend
If they don’t make it easier for us to go to India, we should at least give all Indians arriving by air a visa on arrival Like Sri Lanka does. It would go a long way in helping relations if they at least could come over and see us. It would also help the Pak economy!Recommend
Establsihment Ideology 101
The establishment alone defines the ideology of the state and informs the awam.
Chapter 1 Verse 1 : Pakistan was created of the enimity of India, by the enimity of India and for the enimity of India.
Chapter 1 Verse 2 : The purpose of the establsihment is protection, preservation and promotion of the enimity towards India at all costs and under all circumstances. No compromise or dilution is acceptable for preservation of our ‘ghairat’.Recommend
Thiere is nothing to discuss in regards to Kashmir, at present as there are far too many other issue which require to be addressed as matter of Urgency!!! Kashmir has been waiting for last 60 years and perhaps will wait another 60 too, but there are far too many other issues which should have been Prioritised, by Pak govt, but sadly No Govt in Pakistan has had an foresight to deal with them!! They prefer some cheap photo opps and media coverage, rather than progress and constructive dialogue or dealing with outstanding issues!!
The Indian Delegation can simply not provide any positive signs to Pak demands, while the Mumbai Attack issue has not been dealt with! Its too politically sensitive for the present Govt in India too!
So enjoy the hospitality and return, likewise invite them to New Delhi in due course, with dates to be fixed! As the present Govt in Pak may not be in office by that time too!!Recommend
hehehehe its a joke … Pakistan’s so called intelligent think tank, the big thinkers and the so called experts on India Pakistan relations aka Mr Hamid … have already prdicted the MAD…. so whats the use of discussing this ???? Recommend
“The talks were substantive, constructive and forthcoming,” Exactly like the other times??Recommend
Pakistan should become non nuclear country..they dont deserve it !!
They should be snatched off soonRecommend
Pakistan is talking to India is similar to talking to a wall. The wall cannot given an answer so the India.
A lot of efforts have been made by Pakistan to normalize relations between to two countries but I don’t that it is worth talking any more.
There is a proverb in Urdu which says “Bhains Kay Aagay Been Bajanay Ka Kaya Faida”?
Let’s not waste our time and do some constructive work. We have other problems to deal with. Recommend
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.Kashmir is the only first and foremost the most core and burning issue between India-Pakistan for stable,durable and permanent friendship.After resolving the Kashmir issue through peaceful means and dialogues between India-Pakistan the other issues may be discussed on priority basis to resolve.If both countries’ leaders are not willing especially Indian leaders then give plebiscite right to Kashmiri people freely and fairly without any fear of Pakistani and Indian governments’ interference through any means and manifestations either hidden or open to choose that either Kashmiri people want to live with India or Pakistan or want separate state and both countries’ leaders must have to respect Kashmiri people’s choice.By the way both countries’ leaders have worn gorgeous and expensive dresses and photography is much the best and outstanding and in this gorgeous dress both countries’ hypocrite leaders are looking the most beautiful.Recommend
Breakthrough can be expected only if the talks are between real democracies, until those generals in GHQ having a say at foreign policy you can only expect ‘break’ not ‘breakthrough’.Recommend
Once Pakistan is able to decide who controls Foreign and Security policy Army or Parliament, talks may become productive. Till then it is a waste of time because most Indians can see that Pakistani Parliament has neither the inclination nor means to demand accountability or independence from the strangle hold of the Army. When a country is unable to honour its solemn pledges of not allowing its territory to be used by terrorists against India, credibility is at stake. Meaningless homilies are mere photo ops.Recommend
After a long time talks between two countries concluded on a happy and cordial note with both sides seem to have orchestrated their scripts really well which did not go haywire like it happened many times in the past. Though both sides discussed contentious issues but handled it with care during the joint statement. Pak military being subdued lately due to various embarassments played to the gallery and didnot interfere during these talks, are well advised not put obstructions in future talks during July. Recommend
It’s completely meaningless to talk to the civilian government in Pakistan, who are titular heads. the power lies with the army/ISI.
Also, why talk, when the perpetrators of 26/11 are roaming free.
Maybe the talks should be restricted to the Hafeez Saeeds and the Dawood Ibrahims, whom Pakistan is protecting as strategic assets.Recommend
@Hedgefunder:
Mumbai attack has been dealt with revolving judges. Objective is to change judges and start over again and again so over the next 100 or so years, everyone will forget about it. Judiciary in Pakistan is the biggest joke in the world. How many terrorists have been released. Has anyone heard what happened to the “hero” who shot a governor in plain sight? One scared judiciary, they know, if they do anything to the “hero”, their life is in danger. Recommend
@Ahmer Ali:
What gives you any right to speak about Kashmir? You invaded Kashmir in 1948? You started a war in 1965? Tried to start a another war with Kargil? You send in terrorists to de-stabilize Kashmir? You have some paid cronies in Kashmir?
Other than that, what rights do you have? None.
Kashmir has and will be part of India as it has been for tens of thousands of years even before the Vedic period and will remain as integral part of India till the end-of-time. If need be, we will erect an space based Laser defense to protect all of India. Recommend
The Government of India should talk directly to our Pakistan Military directly. Just like the US does with Pakistan. Its the Army that controls foreign policy and it`ll have the final say. The best opportunity was coming to the peace agreement during Musharraf Time. Or we should wait till Kayani takes control of Pakistan.Recommend
have to admire the brazenly fraudulent manner, without any shame, the way Pak is conducting the 26/11 trial by so called ‘non-state’ actors.Recommend
Probably its time for PAK dismantle ISI and replace/create another one(like RAW/FBI, of course RAW is no FBI) under civilian govt. That way it will help solving issues for PAK rather than creating imaginary enemies and difficulties for GOVT to solve any issue for country and others. Of course Zardari is more interested in saving his chair than solving any issue for country. So not sure where is Pakistan headed under Zardari.Recommend
@Syed A. Mateen:
100% agree with you. It is a waste of time as India is not serious in talks just to show to the World that we are talking. On the one hand she is talking and on the other hand she is doing genocide to poor and un-armed Kashmiris. The presence of thousands of armed forces in Kashmir – a disputed territory is enough evidence that India will keep killing these Kashmiris just to curb their basic rights and rule over them over the Gunpoint.
I see that volcano of people will errupt sooner rather than later from Kashmir with brute force and will force India to liberate Kashmiri people. One day Kashmir will be an Independent state inshAllah.
Regards
Dr. Saleem Siddiqi
Johannesburg
South Africa.Recommend
@Ahmer Ali:
Doy you know of anyone or any political entity in India that wants to be friends with Pakistan?. The answer is NO. We can talk and be polite, thats all. No one in India is enamoured with Pakistan.Recommend
@Hedgefunder:
I think first India should set its own house which is under fire than can suggest ways and means to others. For your interest, I am appending a news item not by Pakistan media but from AFP – an independent international media.
“RAIPUR (India), June 24: India’s president urged outlawed Maoist guerillas on Friday to “leave violence” and accept the government’s offer of peace talks.
Pratibha Patil’s appeal followed a string of Maoist-led attacks which left 18 security personnel dead earlier this month in the insurgency-riven central Indian state of Chhattisgarh.
“I appeal to the Maoists and others involved in violence, to leave violence and engage in talks,” Patil said in an address to the legislature in the state capital, Raipur.
Patil’s comments were the second presidential appeal since last August to the guerillas, who are active in 20 of India’s 29 states.
“Violence and killings are condemnable offences which cannot be accepted by any civilised society… They should join the mainstream and allow the development of the tribals in this country,” the president added.
Tribal groups and many rural areas have been left behind by the country’s economic development, and the poverty and discontent is seen as a major source of the Maoist uprising which kicked off in 1967.
Chhattisgarh is in the eye of Maoist-led violence, which peaked with the massacre of 76 policemen in a brutal attack in April last year.
The guerillas have also stepped up attacks elsewhere in response to the Indian government’s “Operation Green Hunt” offensive launched in 2009 in Maoist-hit areas across north and eastern India.
The Maoists also feed off police brutality and government corruption, and are strongest in the poorest and most deprived areas of India, many of which are rich in natural resources.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has identified Maoist insurgency as the number one threat to domestic security.—AFP
It is not in India’s capability to control Maost who are playing havoc with killings in India.
We are keenly looking ways and measures India takes to control them. So far they have failed. So please keep your house in order before peeping into others.
Best Regards
Dr. Saleem Siddiqi
Johannesburg – South Africa.Recommend
India not a responsible nation they just joke with other nations .Recommend
@Thomas & @Menon
Your comments seem much the best impressive and it has been proven many years before from when peace talks were started formally.If it is so then please do one thing first,id est,stop photo sessions and fashion shows on the name of fake peace talks on Kashmir issue and come in the ground to prove that who has courage and bravery to defend and the most importantly how will you defend and show your courage and bravery?Whereas your hundreds of thousands cruel and brutal forces can’t stop freedom movement in Indian disputed Kashmir and just handful freedom fighters’/Mujahideen’s activities in Indian Occupied Kashmir.Recommend
63 years spent in dialogue without any breakthrough.To put the record straight it was Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru who went to UN for the ceasefire and agreed to hold plebicite in occupied Kashmir.So simple just honor the commitment that is still lying in the UN un implemented.Rest of the issues are not important.In fact there is no will on the part of India to resolve the issue.
How long one can survive on blame game.Meetibgs, conferences, composite dialogue and confidence building measures have been reduced to rhetoric, that’s not the way to resolve issues.After Foreign Secretary’s meeting ,next month talks will be held in New Delhi between the foreign ministers of the two countries.After the meeting a joint statement will be issued.Talks were held in cordial atmosphere, each side gave their view points on different issues confronting the two countries,it was agreed to carry on with the process of dialogue, the only option to maintain peace in th eregion.Kashmir also figured and it will be discussed in the next summit.The meeting ended with a pleasant note from both sides.That’s it
People of both countries are fed up the way dialogue between the two countries are held, these should be meaningful and result oriented.Both countries are facing threat of terrorism, Pakistan has suffered the most, in fact India should help Pakistan in countering any type of terrorism that is affecting the entire globe.
The only option is dialogue as rightly pointed out by Indian Foreign Secretary that India and Pakistan shall not go to war on th eissue but resolve them by dialogue.Let us hope these dialogues are not stretched any more and it shoud have meaningful and positive end.Recommend
@Mukhtar Ahmed:
Pakistan may have suffered most out of two countries from terroism!!
Yea!! But who created these outfits and is still supporting them to present day by addressing them as “Stratigic Assets ” ?
Instead of using diplomacy ! Who introduced, trained and sponsered Jihadi groups to inflatrate across the LOC to cause Mayhem and further funding them for what they think its their cause???
In the climate of this nature, its rather difficult to deal with a party who instead of amending the wrongs, tries to go into denial mode and refuses its responsibility as a creater of these problems !!!
I sugget that Pakistan sort its own house out first and than consider talks about talks, as in this enviourment, its rather difficult for anyone let alone India to deal with them!!
So me a Country that actually Trusts Pakistan Today????Recommend
@Mukhtar Ahmed:
Who expects any break-through in these talks ? It is no less an achievement that both countries are holding dialogue especially Indian govt who are being criticised by the opposition every-day for holding talks since Pakistan has done practically nothing for its merit.
So, lets enjoy the talks as well as appreciate it but not go to war as pointed-out by you and thus live peacefully in our respective countries. Recommend
@Hedgefunder:
These terrorists are active 3-4 years. Kashmir dispute is 64 years old. What India is doing dilly-delaying tactics. It seems Laton kay bhoot baton say nahee mantay. Some more Jehadees have to be sent to India by Pakistan to take care of increasing population of India as she is not capable and even deserves talking for peace and resolve Kashmir issue.
Regards
Dr. Saleem Siddiqi
Johannesburg
South AfricaRecommend
So where have you been over last two decades???? Are we blind to the fact, or is it the case of simple amnesia!!!!
So we know now know that, you are in SA!! Is it the case in Mandela Land to deny, deceive and pretend that the problems are not there!!!
As you possibly are the only guy who has not seen slums in Pakistan!, SA, or anywhere else except India !!
I know its very scary!! Having these Hindus next door, and they always cause trouble too!! While you sleep with the enemy!!!!
Wake up!! Time is not on Pakistan’s side!!! The world is moving along, while you people continue to live in an ILLUSION!!!Recommend
There should be a straight forward talk about Kashmir without bringing any other new issue in front of it. This issue is past due and should be dealt with first as a priority. Other newer issues should be seperated from Kashmir talks. Past due old issues must be resolved otherwise it creates a domino effect and there is no running away from it. It requires bold courage to resolve this past due old Kashmir issue. So good luck! Remember there is no running away from it. Recommend
@Bijlee:
Which domino effects are you talking about??
the domino effects that are beginning to take impact now may even bring pakistan to implode from within!!! just look around you and your countrymen and tell me if there is a single bit of this country that actually works!!!!
Kashmir has been there for last 60 years and will remain an issue for another 60 years, perhaps.
Also note that its not in the interest of Pak Army to resolve Kashmir, as it would dillute their self importance!!Recommend
@Hedgefunder
Your loyalty for India is understandable. Also you need an Indian news paper to do your blogs as they will be more than happy to agree with you and team with you. Thank you!Recommend
Exactly ashok!!
We will wait until India gets ‘real’ democracy. We are working hard to liberate you Indians from the most corrupt politico-corporate-elitist mafia ruling India. We have our partners in all your states i.e. Maoists, Naxalites, Sikhs, Kashmiris, Tamils etc.
I will ask all my Indian friends to be patient, a free India will be a balancing power in Asia and will exist in peace with its neighbors bringing prosperity to the Billion+ people living in south asia. The victory time is near…..Recommend