Pakistan hopeful that re-engagement would lead to sustainable dialoge

Settlement of disputes imperative to enhance bilateral ties

Nisar Ahmed Thokar

Islamabad, June 03: Expressing optimism over the forthcoming ministerial moot to be held in Islamabad, the Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Abdul Basit has said that his country was hopeful that this re-engagement would lead to a sustainable and meaningful dialogue process between India and Pakistan.



“We hope this meeting will lead to a sustainable and meaningful dialogue process so that we can free this region and our two countries from conflicts and disputes”, Basit said this while responding to query during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad today. He made it clear that the settlement of disputes was imperative to enhance bilateral ties between the two states.



He said, “There is indeed trust deficit between the two countries and we need to bridge this gap seriously”. He was of the view that amongst various factors the unresolved dispute of Kashmir was one of the main issues that creates mistrust between the two nations.


Foreign office spokesman refused to comment on Indo-Pak water commissioners’ meeting that took place in New Delhi saying that he is yet to go through the details of the meeting. He said that there have been violations of Indus water treaty by India in the past and Pakistan has serious reservations regarding the controversial Kishanganga project. However he said “We will not compromise on our national interests and as a responsible state Pakistan would continue to pursue the dispute settlement mechanism”.

When asked whether there was any foreign pressure on Pakistan to launch military operation in Southern Punjab, he said there was no pressure on government of Pakistan. He maintained that the law enforcement agencies, armed forces and the people of Pakistan have rendered great sacrifices to defeat terrorism and therefore the government of Pakistan would do whatever it feels to be done keeping in view the vital interests of the country.

Responding to a query regarding Indo-US strategic dialogue he said, “I can only express the hope that it brings more peace and prosperity in the region”. About India-Afghanistan relations he said that the two countries do have bilateral relations but Pakistan’s position is clear that these relations should not be at Pakistan’s cost.

About Israeli attack on Gaza-bound aid ship Basit said that Pakistan has moved a resolution in the UN that besides condemning Israeli aggression demanded the highest body to send the fact finding mission to probe the Israeli assault on freedom flotilla carrying relief goods to Gaza. The resolution he said also urged Israel to lift the siege on Gaza and other occupied territories of Palestine.


About Pakistani nationals who were on board the Gaza-bound aid ship, which was attacked by Israeli commandos he said that the Pakistani nationals including Talat Hussain would be back soon. He added that Freedom Flotilla have safely reached Amman and senior officials of the Embassy have received them on arrival at the Jordan-Israel border.