The representatives of civil society from India and Pakistan on Saturday took part in a two-day Track-II dialogue in a bid to resolve the differences between the two nuclear neighbours, saying dialogue is the key to resolve all differences. In a first interaction of its kind after Pulwama terror attack that further strained the relations between the two countries, the participants from both sides called for improving cross-border connectivity and trade, people-to-people exchanges and educational collaboration.
The dialogue, titled 'Beyond Politics and Polemics New Beginning on a Difficult Trail', was organised by an Islamabad-based think-tank - Regional Peace Institute (RPI), in collaboration with United States Institute for Peace (USIP).
The dialogue underlined the need for communication to remain open even in times of crises. The conference provided a candid platform for exchange of ideas to cultivate an environment of peace in both the countries.
Civil society delegates from diverse backgrounds held frank discussions focusing on better people to people ties, trade relations and security challenges. Forums like these are essential to pave the way for deeper understanding between the two countries and must be encouraged.
The conference brought out younger voices and fresh ideas towards prioritising people-to-people contacts and other initiatives to foster better relations between the two neighbouring countries. Some of the key recommendations included the need for easier, liberalised visa processes especially for those seeking medical treatments, cultural exchanges and collaborations between academicians, students, scholars, educational institutes, think-tanks and media groups.
Trade ties and business relations need a sharp boost to incentivise peace. There is a strong feeling that enhanced connectivity between the two countries will create corridors of peace. The forum urges the immediate opening of the air space causing inconvenience to thousands of common people.
The delegates from both countries welcomed the beginning of Track-II dialogue in Islamabad, the first in Pakistan since tensions heightened between the two sides. They look forward to the second round to be held in Delhi with the hope that communication channels between civil societies always remain open regardless of the political climate.
Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood was invited to speak at conference but he opted to skip the event. At the same time, not a single official from Indian side also bothered to turn up in the conference.
However, parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs Andleeb Abbas did turn up. She stressed for greater people to people contacts between Pakistan and India to normalise the bilateral relationship.
She said 717 million youth on both sides of border is a ray of hope and by bringing them together, a paradigm shift can be brought in the bilateral relationship of the two countries.
"There also exists great trade potential between Pakistan and India which needs to be explored for a better future of the region," she added. She said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently been giving the message of peace to India, adding war is not solution to any problem and conflicts can only be resolved through peace and negotiations.