Chill in ties will end soon: Pak

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 22

Advertisement

Pakistan today hoped that the “long winter” of estrangement with India will end soon, but cautioned that “coercive measures have not worked in the past; they will not work in the future.”

“One key take-away from recent developments is that lack of engagement creates dangerous vacuum and serious risks for the relationship,” said Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mehmood on the eve of Pakistan National Day on March 23.

Mehmood was speaking at a function on the lawns of the Pakistan High Commission, which the Indian Government has boycotted. Outside the well-lit premises, policemen sought identity cards of those invited and dissuaded some from entering the premises. At the function, the proceedings began with the Indian national anthem followed by the Pakistani ‘qaumi tarana’. Incidentally, the cause of the Indian Government’s pique—invitation to Kashmiri separatists—did not turn up at the function.

Mehmood said as both countries limped back from the brink, they must make sure to act with wisdom to find a way forward.

Diplomacy and dialogue remain indispensible for enhancing mutual understanding, addressing mutual concerns and resolving long-standing disputes, including J&K, he said. “A relationship based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and mutual interest is best guarantee for a peaceful and prosperous future. We do hope long winter in India-Pakistan relations would come to an early end.”