HVK Archives: For Pakistan, Kashmir holds key to better ties
For Pakistan, Kashmir holds key to better ties - The Times of India
Prakash Nanda
()
11 July 1997
Title: 'For Pakistan, Kashmir holds key to better ties'
Author: Prakash Nanda
Publication: The Times of India
Date: July 11, 1997
Pinning his hopes on the outcome of the talks between the foreign
secretaries of India and Pakistan last month, the Pakistani high
commissioner to India, Ashrat Jehangir Qazi, believes that progress on the
outstanding issues of concern of both "in a self-sustaining and stable
manner" will go a long way in bringing the two countries closer.
However, he believes that Pakistan's interpretation of last month's talks
was different from that of India. In his first major interview to an
Indian daily, Mr Qazi told this paper on, Thursday that the agreement on
the modalities for conducting future talks, that is through working groups,
"is a fact. But, "our interpretations on them differ, which, I think is
quite natural, given our respective postions on the Issues all these years."
It may be noted that the secretaries had identified "Peace and security,
including confidence building measures (CBM); Jammu and Kashmir; Siachen;
Wullar Barrage project/ Tulbul Navigation Project; Sir Creek; Terrorism and
drug-trafficking; Economic and commercial cooperation; Promotion of
friendly exchanges in various fields" as areas for constituting the working
groups. The detailed composition of these groups are expected to be
discussed at the next round of foreign secretary-level talks, scheduled to
be held here in September.
However, the Pakistani high commissioner does not think the first item -
peace and security including the CBM - to be an issue as such. "I will call
it an umbrella item. It is no doubt important to have CBMs, of which we
already have a few. No doubt, some more are needed. But for us, the first
issue is Jammu and Kashmir, " he said.
Secondly, unlike India which wants to address all issues "in an integrated
manner" - that is the way the joint statement of the foreign secretary
talks was worded - Mr Qazi made it clear that "we must have some
significant movement for a self-sustaining progress on the overall
relationship between the two countries. Kashmir is a historical issue. On
the other hand, all other issues identified during the talks are normal
issues seen usually in the relationship between any two neighbours anywhere."
The high commissioner dealt at considerable length on how the Kashmir
dispute is affecting the political milieu of the region adversely. "I do
not want to go into details of the Kashmir issue. Our views are
well-known. Similarly, we are equally familiar with the Indian approach.
We must respect each other's position and at the same time try to find a
way out. Our Indian friends should realise that the resolution of Kashmir
is important for progress in other areas."
Mr Qazi said that as the larger country, India should have a larger role to
play in establishing a strong relationship with Pakistan. "That will be in
the long-term interests of India as well." He, specifically, mentioned the
positive role that the media and thinktanks of both the countries could
play in strengthening bilateral relations.
Asked about his own role as an envoy, particularly against the background
of the controversial tenure of his predecessor Riaz Khokar here, Mr Qazi
said, "I have been thrilled to be assigned the most important diplomatic
post of my country. The cooperation and goodwill that I have got here in
the last few months stimulates me to do my best. However, I do not agree
with your observation on Khokar, one of our outstanding diplomats.
Unfortunately, unlike me, he was here when the bilateral relations were at
their worst."
Back
Top
|
