KARACHI, 18 December 2003 — Four Pakistani officials left for New Delhi yesterday for talks on resuming a cross-border train service, which was suspended two years ago after a militant attack on the Indian Parliament, officials said.
The two-day technical-level discussions on the resumption of the Samjhota Express are scheduled to open in New Delhi today.
“The government of Pakistan wants friendly relations with India and an immediate resumption of the Samjhauta Express for the convenience of the citizens of both sides,” Pakistan Railways additional general manager, Muhammad Iqbal Khatari, who is leading the delegation, told reporters before crossing the Wagah border.
“Resumption of the Samjhota Express is possible from Dec. 25,” he said adding that the service could actually start earlier.
It is the latest move toward easing tensions between the longtime enemies.
The train service was suspended Jan. 1, 2002, after India accused two Pakistan-based militant groups and Pakistan’s spy agency in the Dec. 13, 2001, attack on its Parliament, which almost pushed the neighbors toward war.
Pakistan denied involvement, but banned the militant groups.
Following international diplomatic efforts the situation eased, and in recent months both countries have taken steps toward peace, including a cease-fire along their disputed Kashmir border, and an agreement to resume air links from Jan. 1, 2004.
The two countries have restored full diplomatic ties and have resumed a bus service between Lahore and New Delhi.
Two weeks ago, India offered to hold talks on the train service. Officials will discuss the possibility of resuming the Samjhauta Express between the Indian capital New Delhi and Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore.
The train was very popular among a large number of Pakistani and Indian families who were separated when the two nations gained independence from Britain in 1947.
In July, Pakistan and India restored a bus service between Lahore and New Delhi.
