Peace process sustains amid strain

Under strain circumstances the peace talk between Pakistan and India has at least took some initiatives at the just concluded fifth round composite dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting between foreign secretaries has given a signal that both Indian and the newly formed democratic Gilani government in Pakistan are eager to take the wish of people forward with improved regional ties.

At the Foreign-Secretary level talks, several positives steps has come into sight including the one to ease movement across border with agreement to increase cross-border bus services, the proposal to shorten the time process of Visa documentation and the foremost one is the consideration of developing a joint anti-terror mechanism which was not possible earlier due to continuous charges and counter charges over the possible involvement of Pakistan in terror strikes in India.

Earlier in the month, both parties were agreed to improve trade relations with Pakistan’s assent to Indian business firms for investment and to an increased list of goods to be imported from India. It was apt to focus on some of the substantive issues of terrorist infiltration across the LoC and the desire of a peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue with new confidence building measures (CBMs) by the present elected Pakistan government.

India’s concern or accusation on Pakistan’s hand in terror strike is well logical taking into account the July 07 suicide bomb attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul, which killed over 40 people, and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control along with increasing cross border infiltration. However, a better economic and diplomatic effort can take the core issues to some meaningful resolution.

Now, as the Congress-led government won confidence vote in the parliament and is in a situation to conclude the Indo-US nuclear deal, the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should have to take some appropriate measures in India’s foreign policy towards Pakistan which is central for the growth of both countries. But at the same time more and concrete stride should come from the part of neighbour keeping in mind that both countries are now victims of terrorism.