Pakistan envoy hopes talks will resume

 

Basit was speaking  to reporters at the Somajiguda Press Club on Sunday. He is in the state to meet senior representatives of the Telangana government. Referring to  external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s statement he said, “Minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj had said there are no full stops in diplomacy, I concur with her. You do not completely shut  down. So, let’s hope it will be restarted soon,” Mr Basit said.

 

India had suspended  talks between foreign secretaries  of both countries in August this year amid ceasefire violations, and Basit’s meeting with separatist leaders of the Hurriyat. India called the meeting of the Pakistan High Commissioner as an “interference in the country’s internal affairs.” Giving his personal  stand, Basit said, “Jammu and Kashmir is a problem that needs to be resolved and as part of the dialogue process, we have been trying to resolve it.

 

There are 10 segments within the framework of composite dialogue and Jammu and Kashmir is one of them. We would not like our relationship to be held hostage by one single issue.”

 

Ceasefire violations have been reported on numerous occasions with both sides  accusing each other of violations. "As far as ceasefire violations go, obviously our position is different. But, without getting into who is violating the ceasefire which was agreed on back in 2003, I think it is important that we adhere to the ceasefire agreement. I think India and Pakistan need to comply with all agreements," Basit opined. 

 

The Pakistan envoy expressed hope that relations between the two nations should grow. "The agenda of our Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, like that of  Prime Minister Modi, is economic development. So, there is no reason why we cannot face the challenges together," Basit said. He also said bilateral cricket series between Pakistan and India will begin next year and six series will be played until  2022.