Indo-Pak talks to resume on basis of Lahore Accord
Train and bus services between the two expected to resume shortly
Resumption of air service will follow soon after
By Mohammad Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India are likely to soon resume dialogues, using the Lahore Accord as a benchmark, to de-escalate tensions and reduce the build-up of troops on the borders.
A leading member of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference’s (APHC) Pakistan chapter told Daily Times on condition of anonymity that once the two sides resume talks, focussing on Kashmir, the dialogues would take place on the basis of the Lahore Accord. He added, “Both Pakistan and India have agreed to start dialogues, following extensive efforts by the US and Britain to resolve the issue of Kashmir.”
He said that since the international community had confirmed that infiltration across the Line of Control (LOC) had practically come to a standstill, Pakistan was now pressing for the resolution of the Kashmir issue through peaceful means. However, he said, as a first step, both countries have agreed to set aside more controversial issues and start talks for ‘track two diplomacy’. He said these talks would then help create a climate conducive to achieving a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue.
Pakistan has already taken several steps in this regard, including the release of 236 Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan for poaching, and arrangements for the return of Indian nationals stranded in Pakistan due to the suspension of rail and road links.
The source said railway and bus services between the two countries would also be resumed, to help reduce tension and normalise the situation. “After that air service will be resumed to further ease the situation,” he said, adding that both countries would also take measures to relax visa restrictions.
The source said now that Pakistan had taken strong and decisive steps to stop infiltration across the LoC, it was India’s turn to take serious steps to resolve the Kashmir issue.
He said an ‘old formula’, under which Azad Kashmir remains with Pakistan, Ladak and Jammu with India, and the Kashmir valley is put under the control of the United Nations (UN) for some years, was also under consideration. However, he added, this formula would be discussed only after India took steps to move towards a resolution of the issue.
The APHC leader said, “The international efforts to pull the two countries back from the brink of another war have so far been successful.” He added that the focus was now on getting Pakistan and India to resume talks.
Meanwhile, sources in the railways ministry told Daily Times that Pakistan Railways Chairman Lieutenant General (r) Saeed-u-Zafar had already visited the Lahore railway station during the first week of July to check on the arrangements made for starting cargo and train services between Lahore and Delhi. |
