Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that India-Pakistan talks at secretaries level is expected on February 18 or 25, as indicated by Indian government and we have a clear roadmap for talks with India, in which more tangible issues like the water dispute will take precedence over traditional fault lines like Kashmir.
Talking to newsmen after inaugurating a number of development projects in Kothaywala (Multan) in his constituency on Monday, Foreign Minister Qureshi said that there were huge constituencies for peace in both nations.
"Yes, you have to understand that India-Pakistan relations have a history we can't ignore, and we've some outstanding issues," said Qureshi while responding to a question about Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani's statement that Pakistan's strategic policies will remain India-centric, as long as Kashmir and water disputes are not resolved.
When asked about chances of J&K dispute's resolution, he said that it was difficult to give a timeframe in this regard. "We've made progress on Kashmir related CBMs. We should look at the positive developments so far made and review them. We should look at more CBMs to create a conducive environment in consultation with the Kashmiris," he said, adding that Kashmiris were the main party in the issue and their aspirations could not be overlooked.
To another question that both countries held talks in the past, but the process was halted due to the Kargil and Mumbai-like incidents and what would happen if another 26/11-like incident occurred, the Minister said, "As discussed between the two PMs in Sharm-el-Sheikh, we should de-link negotiations from such acts. There are such acts taking place in Pakistan, and we're victims of terrorism," he said.
When asked about Pakistan's response to India's talks offer, Qureshi said that both countries had agreed to a format of discussion - the composite dialogue. "We had four rounds of composite dialogues. When I took over as the Foreign Minister, I reviewed the fourth round and then we also initiated the fifth round," he added.
He further said that Pakistan felt that this region had serious challenges, adding, "the challenges of hunger, poverty, disease, backwardness are the regional challenges that we face. Look at the people living below poverty line in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and even in the (other) Saarc countries."
These challenges could only be dealt collectively, he said, adding "once we normalise our relations and refocus on our priorities, then we will be able to address these challenges." When asked about India's assertion that Pakistan has not punished 26/11 perpetrators, Qureshi replied, "We've apprehended seven accused and it shows our seriousness. Third party and dossier exchange might not be as productive as when you sit face-to-face and chart the way forward," he added.
When his attention was drawn towards his assertion that Islamabad has substantial evidence to prove India's involvement in terror activities in Pakistan and whether it is in the agenda for proposed negotiations, Qureshi said, "When we discuss terrorism, all linked issues have to be put on the agenda. They have the right to highlight their concerns and we've the right to highlight our concerns," he added.
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