Pakistan and India agreed to continue peace talks for the resolutions of disputes despite differences over certain issues. This was the concluding statement by the secretary-level talks between the nuclear rivals who held negotiations in Islamabad for two days.
Visiting India Home Secretary R.K. Singh expressed his disappointment over not taking any action against the alleged mastermind of the 2009 Bombay attack, Hafiz Saeed.
Interior Minister Rahman Malik reacted softly on the new dossier given to Pakistan by the visiting Indian official, saying, “Until now there are no credible evidence against Hafiz Saeed but we would examine if there is anything concrete in it.”
Pakistani courts has declared Hafiz Saeed as innocent and refused to take any further action against him. Malik declared even the latest dossier as “hearsay”.
Talks almost reached to a consensus over visa liberalization policy but Pakistan delayed its signing on the ground, “It’s a political decision and needs to be signed by political leadership” said Malik. He invited his Indian counterpart for signing the proposed visa policy.
Despite differences upon several terrorism related issues, both the countries are engaged in talks on different levels and recently achieved a milestone when Pakistan opened its trade routes with India after granting India the Most Favored Nation (MFN) status.
Despite strong internal criticism especially from the opposition and religious groups, Pakistan stands by its commitment and the lifting of trade barriers has started gradual trade.
Both countries practice strict visa policy but in recent years visa restrictions were being gradually liberalized.
About granting of the MFN status to India, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesman said the process for normalization of trade relations with the neighboring country is likely to be completed by the end of this year.
Thaw in India, Pakistan ties after top-level talks
