Pakistan

Cricket diplomacy: Back-channel diplomacy initiated months ago

Singh opened secret talks with Kayani to build on the cricket-inspired diplomatic thaw between countries.

Express April 24, 2011

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh opened secret talks with Pakistan Army chief 10 months ago to build on the cricket-inspired diplomatic thaw between the two countries, a media report said on Saturday. Singh “appointed an unofficial envoy to make contact with General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Pakistan’s chief of the Army Staff who exercises de facto control over foreign policy,” The Hindustan Times reported.

The talks, through a back channel, have encouraged the UK and US believe that the countries competition for influence in Afghanistan could be better managed during efforts to start a peace process, it said.

The visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to watch the cricket semi-final between India and Pakistan has sparked hope of a diplomatic thaw between the two countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (7)

Hafeez Ishak | 13 years ago | Reply Finally, we have a leader in the sub-continent Mr. M.M. Singh, who is diligent enough to know that peace is the answer for the prosperity in the region. India is well on it's way to prosperity, and it's GDP is reflective of that. Pakistan has a long long long way to catch up. It is in the best interest of the people of Pakistan, that we embrace peace. The leaders of Pakistan have to be sincere enough to finally start thinking about the people. It is high time Pakistan has some leaders and politicians that have the love for Pak sarzameen, and it's people. I am an Optimist. I know that it will happen. Hafeez

aman | 13 years ago | Reply MMS govt is involved in all scams,corruption allying with most corrupt party . like Sharad pawar (corruption ka dada),chief of ICC,and DMK dynasty party in tamil naidu!! His party wont return back to power !!

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G. Din | 13 years ago | Reply This news item has now been refuted by the PMO(Prime Minister's Office)! But, I wouldn't be surprised if it were true, knowing what caliber MMSingh is!

pl/sql | 13 years ago | Reply MM Singh is a weakling

Somdet | 13 years ago | Reply To MM Singh - Do whatever you want - back channel, front channel. But keep the forces ready, since history teaches that whenever diplomacy succeeded, it has resulted in attack on India - be it Pakistan or china.

Blunt! | 13 years ago | Reply Obviously, without engaging in Pak Army chief it isn't possible since the govt, is a puppet in their hands!

John | 13 years ago | Reply M.M. Singh has openly said that the real power in PAK is with army. So, not surprised. Which is sad for PAK.

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