NEW DELHI: Compared to the alacrity with which India and Pakistan are taking steps to improve their relations, the past when they were better known as permanent enemies seems confined to history books. Notwithstanding the hard reality that India and Pakistan still entertain differences on various issue, the positive factor is that they are "keen" to "further improve" their relations.
"There is the genuine desire at the top levels to improve relations," Pakistani envoy Shahid Malik told Arab News. Reflecting on what the situation was like, when he was here as Pakistan's deputy high commissioner (1992-95), Malik said: "The situation is much better now. Today, we are holding discussions on a number of issues, including Kashmir."
Malik drew attention to Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's recent visit to Pakistan, during which he and his counterpart Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi held talks in a "friendly and constructive atmosphere."
The two foreign ministers reviewed the progress made in the fourth round of composite dialogue, a process which has been set into motion from June 2004, encompassing talks on peace and security, including confidence-building measures (CBMs), Jammu & Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek, Wuller Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project, terrorism, drug trafficking, economic and commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields.
Highlighting the significance of this dialogue process, Malik said: "Structured discussions are taking place on these issues. This spells out not only the progress made (in these areas), but also is a road map for the future."
The process of holding talks to resolve their differences is a major development in Indo-Pak diplomacy, compared to the past, when they were assumed to be perpetually in a near-war and/or war-like situation. India and Pakistan have also come a long way from the period when terrorism obstructed improvement in their relations. Now, rather than point fingers at each other regarding terrorism, the two sides are keen to sit across the table and discuss the issue. On this, Malik said that both sides have "reaffirmed their commitment" on not letting terrorism "act as a roadblock."
Referring specifically to Kashmir issue, he expressed confidence that it would be resolved in the coming days.
Malik laid stress on the issue saying, "The important thing is that talks are being held on Kashmir. It would be a failure, when we stop talking. We are hopeful that one day this issue would be resolved."
In addition to the new importance gained by cricket diplomacy and people to people interaction, Malik pointed to "realization" on both sides of the need to improve bilateral trade. "During the last four years, there has been 580 percent increase in bilateral trade, from $320 million in 2002 to $1.6 billion this year," Malik said.
Improving trade ties is a "win-win" situation for both the countries, Malik emphasized. "We are exporting cement to India in a big way," he pointed out. Pakistan exported 45,000 tons of cement in April and 60,000 tons of cement in May to India by train.
