Pakistan-India
Nations remain in touch even during wars: Pakistan on secret talks with India
Pakistan hinted that India and Pakistan remained in touch despite tensions in bilateral relations over the last few years. “States have their ways and means to communicate with each other even during wars,” Zahid Hafeez Chaudhary, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s foreign office, was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.
He, however, didn’t confirm if the two countries are still talking. “As for talks, Pakistan has never shied away from talks with India and has always maintained for the need of a ‘meaningful dialogue’ and peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir dispute,” he said.
This came after India and Pakistan last month issued a joint statement, calling for strict observance of the 2003 ceasefire understanding. In the last few weeks, a considerable change has been noted in the tone of the two countries.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan later also exchanged letters, seeking cordial relations, cooperation, and resolution of all disputes. Around two weeks ago, Pakistan’s Economic Coordination Committee had also approved the import of sugar and cotton from India. However, within 24 hours, the decision was overturned by its cabinet, given the cabinet was divided on the resumption of trade ties with India.
The push to regain normalcy in bilateral relations, this time, first came from Pakistan’s military establishment. Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa earlier said the country wanted peaceful relations with all its neighbors, including India. And, he repeated his peace overture towards India a few more times on other occasions too.
There are also talks of Modi attending the upcoming SAARC summit, scheduled to be held in October this year, in Pakistan. However, no confirmation has come so far on it from either side.
When asked about it, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Chaudhary on Friday said they considered the platform an “important organization in enhancing the regional cooperation,” adding the summit could only take place when “artificial obstacles” placed in its way are removed.
The 19th SAARC summit, which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan in November 2016, was canceled after India, along with other members, pulled out of it following an attack by Pakistan-based terrorists on an Indian army base camp in Uri, Kashmir, resulting in the death of 19 soldiers.
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