FO official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan was ready to resume the normalisation process with the new government in India provided it was willing to move forward. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Pakistan has begun ‘back-channel diplomacy’ with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is all set to form the next government in India, in an effort to improve ties between the two neighbours, officials told The Express Tribune on Sunday.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in New Delhi Abdul Basit has quietly been in contact with the BJP to convey Islamabad’s willingness for ‘meaningful engagement’ with the new government, they said. The names of the BJP leaders whom the Pakistani envoy has been in contact with were not revealed due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Insiders disclosed that the Pakistani diplomat delivered a message on behalf of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government that it was ready for a ‘new beginning’ with the BJP administration despite strong public posturing against Pakistan by India’s prime minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi during his election campaign.
A source familiar with the development said the BJP leadership was informed that the current government in Pakistan was following a policy of ‘economic development and peaceful neighbourhood’. Given its policy, the administration in Islamabad wants to engage with the BJP government in meaningful and result-oriented dialogue.
The source said that the Foreign Office (FO) seems optimistic of a positive development after initial contacts with the BJP. It was because of ongoing backdoor diplomacy that Prime Minister Nawaz promptly telephoned Modi to congratulate him over his election victory, he added.
The hardline BJP’s unprecedented win has led to fears that the new government in India may take a tough stance towards Pakistan.
However, Prime Minister’s Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said BJP’s clear majority could help New Delhi in taking ‘decisive and positive’ decisions. He added that the government was optimistic about the relationship with India as the BJP’s manifesto was economy driven and sought good ties with neighbors. “We also have the same policy, so there is a point of convergence on this issue at least,” the adviser told a private TV channel in its first reaction to BJP’s victory.
Another FO official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan was ready to resume the normalisation process with the new government in India provided it was willing to move forward.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the ‘package’ was ready and Pakistan would approach New Delhi as soon the new administration was installed there.
The official said that a lot of homework had already been done to liberalise trade and increase people-to-people contact between the two countries. “But at the moment we will wait and watch,” he added saying it was premature to predict anything at this stage.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 19th, 2014.
COMMENTS (59)
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@AKarachite:
Sir for that you will have to talk to the management of this newspaper and to convince them not to post any articles regarding India. No Indian will waste his time reading domestic affairs of Pakistan.
@Usman: How do you know the the public doesnt wants who are you to comment on behalf of whole nation for God sake stop giving such statements Im a pakistani and i love india and my indian friends and vice versa n we want peace friendship and good relation
@BKhan: Holy...that was hilarious :)
This is excellent backdoor diplomacy by the Pakistani foreign office. To optimize matters, they should let the Indian foreign office machine repeatedly enter and exit, thereby leading to the forceful discharge of warm diplomacy into the Pakistani backdoor.
@Jahangir Chauhan: "Sometimes it’s good to rant & rave. Go ahead, get it out of your system" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Gr8 to see that u follow ur own advice. Keep it up.
Pakistan is expecting India to forget the preconditions for talks!
There can be no talk with Pakistan as long as intruders continue to come from Pakistan!
Going by the comments from Pakistanis, seems peace would take another 3-4 decades. They want to remain ignorant and think it is 50s-60s era. What they don't realize now is that the standing of the two countries is way way different than what it used to be. Cold war is over. America has used and squeezed Pakistan as much as it could and may not even need it after Afghanistan pull out. China has too many business stakes with India, not worth ruining for Pakistan. Iran and Afghanistan are in same boat as is India. Peace with India is not just a matter of choice for Pakistan now. It is a dire requirement if Pakistan wants to get out from the mess it is in. NS government would need to make hard decisions now. They want to repeat their Kashmir rhetoric to start negotiation from a strong position but Indians know they are bluffing. If in 65 years, India did not let go Kashmir, why do they think India would now? However the age old issue of struggle of superiority between civilians and army , for Pakistan remains to this day. The same Pakistanis who won't let their security guards run their house affairs, think that army is best suited to run the country.
ET how is it fair you allow others to tag but censure when we give response? Blot on your liberal policy don't you think. @jahangir chauhan you are selling india to corporate world". I rather sell india to corporate world than corrupt Italian mafia sonia. "why do you expect me to sit alone with folded hands?" So you issue letter with results in 5000(hin)genocide just to get what you want? How's it different. In Gujarat case Hindu pilgrims trains were burnt which carried woman and children. Result- riot broke out which 750(m) and 250(hin) were killed. Yet you have no sympathy for (Hin) but only (M)s. CM of Gujarat was blamed to turning blind eye to what was happening. They find it surprising why it couldn't have been handled better. Is this reason a to blame someone of genocide?If one has to blame him so badly to win vote bank politics you can last to last say he was prejudiced and cared less to stop people seeking revenge for train carnage and only stepped in on third day. Can you say that for direct action day? Where he called upon people to fight for it? What was the end result? What about bangladesh?
Relationship between Pakistan and India can be good only if Pakistan forgets all the disputes like
1.Kashmir 2.Siachan 3.Sir creek
Pakistan should understand Partition is over in 1947, Pakistan got a very big share of land and no piece of land would be given to Pakistan after it. India made a mistake for giving away land to Pakistan during Partition never in future.
@Vicar: While you are on a flow, can you please also ban Indians to spend their precious time in reading Pakistani news papers? Pakistanis feel the same way - zero relationship with RSS led India.
Jehangir Chauhan: Take note that you are absolutely in no position to demand anything of India. You have tried every which way and have been rebuffed time and time again. In time, you will be happy if India throws a few crumbs your way just so you can save your face. Here is a guarantee you can take to the bank: India will not make even an iota of change in any stand it has taken in every issue that befuddles its relations with Pakistan and would wait until you come to accept those positions, no matter which party takes over the government. Remind yourself that the just overthrown PM was the most pro-Pakistani PM India has ever had and he could not even gather the courage to visit Pakistan, let apart make any concessions to Pakistan. So, for your own sake, get down from the clouds and plant your feet on solid hard ground. Your PM knows that Pakistan has absolutely no leverage vis-a-vis India either directly or internationally. That is why he has adopted the humble, friendly posture. You cannot even manage a loan from IMF without India's consent, for crying out loud.
@polpot: Sometimes it's good to rant & rave. Go ahead, get it out of your system
@ali: for what...to face a defeat again? LOL
No need for any talks or continuity of any relationship with Pakistan. Borders should be sealed and all diplomatic missions should be closed and the attaches should be withdrawn. No need to have any relationship with a terrorist state.
@kolsat:
So your army was celebrating Diwali in Bengal in 1971.
Calling Modi a mass murderer is not going to help to create better relationship with India. Pakistan’s greatest enemy is Pakistan itself and not India. Since 1947 every military conflict that India had with Pakistan was started by Pakistan and India had to retaliate. No Indian has gone to Pakistan and blown up anything or carrried out an attack as Ajmal Kasab did in Mumbai.
@Shahriyar: Pakistani ruling class is totally devoid of any sense of self respect for this country. Why not as a beginning these corrupt characters ask Modi’s government to stop stealing Pakistan’s water as a test to move forward . Sir Jee other than the Ignoramuses of the Ilk all Pakistani Officials agree that India is keeping to the Spirit of the IWT and is not stealing any of the Waters which are flowing into Pakistan from India.. . However, the Indians are of course "Taking Out the Electricity" from the Indus River Waters flowing into Pakistan. I hope you appreciate that there is absolutely no Clause or Strictures of any Kind which Restrict and/or Desist India from *Taking Out the Electricity" from the Indus waters flowing into Pakistan. . As such please *stop making such false accusations of India Stealing Pakistan's Water. In case Pakistanis want India to give it the Electricity, which India is not "Bound to do as per the IWT" then Pakistan should request the same and pay India the amount for receiving this Electricity. . Mods please post my above reply in the Interests of better understanding between the People of our Two Countries. . Cheers
@ashok sai: Can you explain further what do you mean by saying that?
@Mega: It's pathetic that you are linking a political move with a Genocide.
In 1946, the Indian independence movement against the British Raj had reached a pivotal stage when the British Prime Minister Clement Attlee sent a three member Cabinet Mission to India aimed at discussing and finalising plans for the transfer of power from the British Raj to the Indian leadership, providing India with independence under Dominion status in the Commonwealth of Nations. After holding talks with the representatives of the Indian National Congress and the All India Muslim League—the two largest political parties in the Constituent Assembly of India on 16 May 1946, the Mission proposed initial plans of composition of the new Dominion of India and its government.On 16 June, under pressure from the Muslim League headed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Mission proposed an alternative plan to arrange for India to be divided into Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan.The princely states of India would be permitted to accede to either dominion or attain independence.
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the one time Congressman and Indian Nationalist, and now the leader of the Muslim League, had accepted the Cabinet Mission Plan of 16 June whereas the Congress rejected it outright.On 10 July, Jawaharlal Nehru held a press conference in Bombay declaring that the Congress had agreed only to participate in the Constituent Assembly and regarded itself free to change or modify the Cabinet Mission Plan as it thought best.Fearing Hindu Domination in the Constituent Assembly, Jinnah denounced the British Cabinet Mission and decided to boycott the Constituent Assembly to try to put pressure on Congress and the British, by resorting to "Direct Action". In July 1946, Jinnah held a press conference at his home in Bombay where he declared his intent to create Pakistan. Jinnah proclaimed that the Muslim league was "preparing to launch a struggle" and that they "have chalked a plan".He had decided to boycott the Constituent Assembly. He rejected the British plan for transfer of power to an interim government which would combine both the Muslim League and the Indian National Congress. He said that if the Muslims were not granted Pakistan then he would launch "Direct Action". When asked to specify Jinnah retorted: "Go to the Congress and ask them their plans. When they take you into their confidence I will take you into mine. Why do you expect me alone to sit with folded hands?
@Shahriyar: well said. and this litmus test what you suggested will be failure forget about bigger issues like Kshmir. Siachen, Sir Creek.
@Aakash: i don't know if this happened but do you forget Indian soldiers killing innocent civilian in Batala sector recently. Just by seeing one side of the coin will not give your correct perspective.
Pakistan should try to dialog with India but if Modi want other ways to inspire Pakistan, we should respond evenly ..
@water bottle: what is ridiculous in that it's a parade, How is it different then any other parade in any other so called civilized countries.
Pakistan should demand the immediate implementation of UN resolution on Kashmir with new Indian government, a ban on RSS and VHP like parties and organizations whgich are fanning hatred towards Muslims of sub-continent, specially against Pakistan and the culprits of Gujarat riot in which Naredra Modi himself the biggest criminal which is now about to become PM.So our government is fooling ourselves when they shows such hollow gesture and make a laughing stock in the eyes of our enemy.
It is better the two countries stay away from talks for at least a couple of years and focus on their own problems. Pakistan needs to clear the country of terrorists holding citizens and the State to ransom. India needs to fix its economy and get back on the growth track. Once internal problems are resolved, as and when commonality of interests emerges, talks can be meaningful and fruitful. Currently, talks if held will deliver nothing and may only vitiate the atmosphere further.
Why backdoor diplomacy ??? Front door will offend your strategic assets ???
@pak101 first check he he's even bothered to talk to your country. Btw its your country talking the initiative not us. When you use the word you just used remember direct action day too coz that resulted in more deaths than any. So what does that say in terms of your most revered leader in your country? Looks same to me when you compare both
Nawaz Sharif is always enthusiastic or at least poses to improve relations with India, but something happens every time in India or at LoC which actually resulted in worsening of the relations between the two countries in the past.The new government in place would be quite wary of the past mis-happenings and not taking them as mere coincidences may not respond positively so soon, keeping in view who runs the foreign policy in Pakistan.
No need to talk to the mass murderer
Wow, Indian elections are over the Pakistani media. But on the other hand, you guys claim that you do not care about Indian elections. Sounds like Oxymoron.
@shahriyar your theory was shot down by international court that ruled the case in india's favour for dams remember? Next you will say even international courts are corrupt. Fact of the matter is, its become your country's hobby to blame india for anything and everything, get out of india hate syndrome. Once you get your head out of sand enough you'll realise the lies being spread and the problems you face is due to your own country's mismanagement.
This is against democratic norms. The govt must take into confidence the people and parliament on this important matter before making any 'deals'.
To think Pakistan's biggest problems are because of India is like burrying our heads in the sand... besides the ttp sitting on the margins and eating away the country and the rest of the place full of bigotry, intolerance, extremism, violence, lack of education and energy - i can not blame any of them because of India!! There are clearly massive issues with India but none of them could be dealt with until your own house is put in order - and that is not just empty chest thumping and rhetoric.
Pakistani ruling class is totally devoid of any sense of self respect for this country. Why not as a beginning these corrupt characters ask Modi's government to stop stealing Pakistan's water as a test to move forward
Peace process? Just today our neighbour country killed indian jawan and injured 2others in loc firing this is the way they are doing to do peace process? One hand sweet talk other hand gun us? Palizzz
I think both the governments should discreetly talk and conduct meetings away from the public eye. If they are serious then sit down and sort it out but bhind the scenes. Let us know when you have a resolution. No point raising hopes only for them to come crashing down. The average person only wants to know when you have found a solution.
@Usman: The Chief of Indian Army has to do what the political leadership decides because it is not Pakistan, we respect our Army and Generals but never worship them and ask them to take over the command of the country.
@do you think we care? Which country diplomat is talking about speeding up relationship between countries? About indian people making him PM. We made him PM for development and economy. He's best administrator in country who can take us out of economic mess the congress created for 57 years of its rule. Btw what your country opinions are matter less to us surely you can't tell us why we voted for him right? We know better why we did. He's pro-business leader not pro-curruption leader like congress out of the two hands down who we want to win and govern our country.
@Usman: first sort out the matter you want talks or not....apparently your PM does..who are you btw..COAS of Pakistan army ?
@Ahson: Your optimism is exemplary. Hope you are not disappointed.
Pakistanis vote for someone who is willing to go above and beyond to haver peace with India, someone who is willing to press false charges against his country's army just to please India. Indians on the other hand vote for someone who is willing to go above and beyond to incite hatred for Pakistan and massacre Muslims of India. Pakistan needs to keep in mind the fact that you cannot negotiate with Hindu Extremist Mindset.
terrorist country pakistan should not cry.
"Another FO official told The Express Tribune that Pakistan was ready to resume the normalisation process with the new government in India provided it was willing to move forward." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The normalisation process of course doe not include the prosecution of the Mumbai accused in Pakistan. Rather abnormal normalisation process
"New Beginning" of what ... ?? ... there has been enough talks, discussion and dialogue between the two countries for decades, without any results ... Modi is not likely to waste his time and energy on Pakistan, unless there is tangible and verifiable action from Pakistan on the issues of terrorism and Kashmir ... (1) dismantling terrorist infrastructure and (2) convert LOC into permanent border ... short of this, there will be no movement in relations ...
Modi's arrival will not change much. He's just another politician who incited public opinion to grab votes. His mission has been accomplished. Once he gets to work, it'll be business as usual. There's no bombarding of Pakistan or any territorial threat in the works. Pakistan's greatest enemy is Pakistan itself. It needs to be keep an eye on what's going on inside rather than across its borders. Many South Asia observers believe that the rise of religious extremism is a consequence of the unthinkable level of religious extremism in Pakistan - it's a reaction. One finds it hard to deny that.
India is now a recognized economic power. It's not interested in indulging in another war with Pakistan. Islamabad must keep an open mind and not fear this change in India. Push the envelope for peace and stop thinking negative.
More than anything else, politicians/media/military must stop generating public opinion that is dangerous for South Asian stability. Let's talk about one people, two nations and one love.
The ridiculous drama at the Wagah border each day is embarrassing. The two nations should grow up.
Modi has already made it clear that he will go after non-state actors.
It is in the best interest of both countries and the people.
@ali: Actually, Pakistan needs more defenses against its own "pious" instead of Hindu extremists.
@ali: oh bhajji, come back to earth! Give diplomacy a chance for once, and lets all grow up and give peace a chance for once. Are you not tired of war?
@Arindom: Forget the Army, the nation does not want the same thing, if it means talking to a mass murderer, hate mongerer and religious extremist like Modi. Indian actually voted in to power a religious extremist, something unthinkable in Pakistan. Here we may have pockets of sympathy for extremists, but Indians actually have one as a PM. And you're worried about what Pak Army thinks? I can give you a hint, the same thing as the Pak Nation thinks, be ready and stay ready.
these are the worst extremists - hindu extremists. Pakistan should make sure that its defences are ready
But does the army also want the same thing?
The caste of Mr. Modi is "Teeli"..........oil pressers.
We have in old city Lahore a historical locality of Teelis called TeeliyaN da rara. They are feeling very happy as if Mr. Modi is their relative.
It is a positive sign and is to be welcomed. However I sincerely hope that other usual culprits who are many and powerful do not throw a spanner in the works as they did in 1999.