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The resumption of “full spectrum dialogue” with India, according to Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, is a “significant breakthrough” with implications beyond the bilateral relationship. The process – which he described as ‘Work in Progress' – will begin in March with a series of “carefully sequenced meetings” on all issues over the next three months, leading to a review meeting at the Ministerial level.
Factoring in the skepticism triggered by similar thaws in the past which ended in the deep-freezer, Mr. Bashir sought to toe a pragmatic line, stating that while the two countries are dealing with difficult and complex issues, it is important to show that both have the ability to work through them. “It requires patience, responsibility and political will.”
Briefing journalists here on the Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks in Thimphu earlier this week, he had said there is a realization in both countries that continued deadlock is self-defeating.
‘Special focus on Mumbai'
As to why the Samjhauta Express blast and Indian role in the turmoil in Balochistan was not included in the segment on counter-terrorism in the document on the outcome of the meeting – particularly since the Mumbai terror attack was mentioned – he said: “It is in our interest to have a special focus on Mumbai under the rubric of counter-terrorism.” Stating that communication between the two countries on the issue was voluminous enough to build an archive, he added that if inclusion of Mumbai provided a degree of comfort to the Indians, then so be it. “That does not prevent us from raising our concerns…. We have nothing to hide. We want to expose the reality behind terrorism…”
Afghan-issue left out
To a question on whether Pakistan was open to the Indian suggestion to include Afghanistan-related issues in bilateral dialogue, Mr. Bashir noted that the worst thing that can happen to Afghanistan and this region is if Indo-Pak rivalry is super-imposed on an already volatile country.
Asked to identify the difference between this thaw in bilateral relations and earlier spells of warmth, he indicated that the attempt this time is to look for common denominators without compromising on national interest. A recurrent thought that he articulated pertained to impact of Indo-Pak relations on regional stability at a time when the centre of gravity in geo-politics is shifting to the greater Asian region.
Stating that the resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is crucial for a self-propelling peace process, he refused to be drawn into commenting on Indian remarks that the geography of the sub-continent would not change. “We will deal with it when we talk on this issue.”
He was also categorical in stating that the process would be selective in picking up from past editions of bilateral talks; especially the composite dialogue process suspended by India after the Mumbai terror attacks. “I don't think we should jettison good work done by our predecessors over the past 60 years but neither should we be lost in archives.”
Factoring in the skepticism triggered by similar thaws in the past which ended in the deep-freezer, Mr. Bashir sought to toe a pragmatic line, stating that while the two countries are dealing with difficult and complex issues, it is important to show that both have the ability to work through them. “It requires patience, responsibility and political will.”
Briefing journalists here on the Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks in Thimphu earlier this week, he had said there is a realization in both countries that continued deadlock is self-defeating.
‘Special focus on Mumbai'
As to why the Samjhauta Express blast and Indian role in the turmoil in Balochistan was not included in the segment on counter-terrorism in the document on the outcome of the meeting – particularly since the Mumbai terror attack was mentioned – he said: “It is in our interest to have a special focus on Mumbai under the rubric of counter-terrorism.” Stating that communication between the two countries on the issue was voluminous enough to build an archive, he added that if inclusion of Mumbai provided a degree of comfort to the Indians, then so be it. “That does not prevent us from raising our concerns…. We have nothing to hide. We want to expose the reality behind terrorism…”
Afghan-issue left out
To a question on whether Pakistan was open to the Indian suggestion to include Afghanistan-related issues in bilateral dialogue, Mr. Bashir noted that the worst thing that can happen to Afghanistan and this region is if Indo-Pak rivalry is super-imposed on an already volatile country.
Asked to identify the difference between this thaw in bilateral relations and earlier spells of warmth, he indicated that the attempt this time is to look for common denominators without compromising on national interest. A recurrent thought that he articulated pertained to impact of Indo-Pak relations on regional stability at a time when the centre of gravity in geo-politics is shifting to the greater Asian region.
Stating that the resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the Kashmiri people is crucial for a self-propelling peace process, he refused to be drawn into commenting on Indian remarks that the geography of the sub-continent would not change. “We will deal with it when we talk on this issue.”
He was also categorical in stating that the process would be selective in picking up from past editions of bilateral talks; especially the composite dialogue process suspended by India after the Mumbai terror attacks. “I don't think we should jettison good work done by our predecessors over the past 60 years but neither should we be lost in archives.”