Foreign Office Spokesman Muazzam Ali Khan, during a weekly briefing, said that secretary-level defence talks with India will be held in Islamabad, but no date has been decided yet. He added that the Siachen issue is part of the talks, and demanded that India retreat back to the pre-1984 position.
The Foreign Office spokesman further said that no new soldiers are being deployed to Siachen.
A recent avalanche in Siachen resulted in the death of more than 100 Pakistan soldiers, building up pressure on both the countries to withdraw troops from the "world's highest battlefield".
Commenting on the re-opening of Nato supply routes, Khan said that no final decision has been taken in the matter but the defence committee has allowed the formation of a work-plan, and the decision will be taken only in the perspective of the parliament’s resolution.
COMMENTS (15)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Indian Trolls There was no contradiction between Army chief statement or Foreign Office statement....they are just same.....i think you need to grow-up
@Lala Gee:
After Kargil, what guarantee is there that Pakistan will not occupy the crucial heights? All India is asking for is a guarantee that it will not, so that everyone can go home knowing things are peaceful.
@Concerned: Never know like past stage being set for another back stab. This time more dangerous.
@Lala Gee:
"The only fair solution to the problem is to restore the pre 1984 position as per Simla Accord. Both the armies must go back to their previous positions and declare the Siachen glacier as demilitarized zone open only for mountaineering expeditions from both countries."
The problem is the Indians can't trust Pakistan on the Simla or any other agreement. Kargil transgression was a violation of Simla agreement.
But, let's face the reality. The Indians and afford to stay on Siachen indefinitely. The cost impact on India is minuscule in comparison with its GDP and defense expenditure. It appears that Pakistan has no leverage to demand anything. Of course, it can train and send terrorists into India, particularly Kashmir. But, that strategy hasn't worked in three decades. In fact, it has backfired on Pakistan manifested as increased domestic radicalism, extremism and terrorism. Sometime, we all have to learn when to stop fighting an increasingly losing battle when the enemy has already won the larger war.
About Siachen, India and Pakistan will take decisions as per their strategic interest and not on emotional or financial considerations.Pakistan must understand that India can not and will not revert back to 1984 position and why should at all? It is a military gain and must not be lost.There is nothing called sacrifice in international relations and every country decides in accordance with its national interest. Can Pakistan give India back the occupied Kashmir, which it gained through its military adventure in 1947? Can Bangladesh remerge with Pakistan, which was possible after a war? These are all futile and fruitless talks.Pakistan should never expect India to give up its military advantage in Siachen just because it is a wasteland and does not serve any purpose.The area has high strategic importance. This is the reason why the problem is not solved till now. India will agree to withdraw if its gained position is accepted by other party. This is my view as an ordinary citizen and people has every right to disagree.
Awesome Sir Awesome Decision. Salute Mr. Ashfaq
@Dr V. C. Bhutani: Regrettably what ever you said has to be accepted as truth. Point scoring is normal tactics by political parties but on such like tragic events human aspect should get priority. What ever ex PM of Pakistan and current COAS said makes sense. Not understood why sudden need was felt for such statement by foreign ministry.
Nawaz Sharif gives a statement and his own brother Shabaz Sharif gives a totally contradictory statement. However, the fact is that the Army shall have the final word in both countries.
Finally some sense by the FO. Now let's wait for Nawaz Sharif to make another silly statement.
Gen Kayani statement on Siachen and defence spending was welcomed by Indian spokes person today but this turn about is surely a setback which would hurt Pakistan more than India.
Accept Indian positions at Siachen.End of story.
The only fair solution to the problem is to restore the pre 1984 position as per Simla Accord. Both the armies must go back to their previous positions and declare the Siachen glacier as demilitarized zone open only for mountaineering expeditions from both countries.
"...,demanded that India retreat back to the pre-1984 position." Fat chance! You are in no position to demand anything!!!! Sign on the dotted line or stay home!
Seems Army and the civilian govt has reversed their roles. Now Army wants to talk peace while the govt wants status quo!