Recent developments in the bilateral talks between the two neighboring countries Pakistan and India have been halted after that deadly attack on the Indian Air Force’s base in Pathankot near the shared border with Pakistan. Endeavours to initiate a peace process and consequent attempts by other elements to foil these efforts between the two countries have now become part of a historical pattern.
Foreign secretary level talks were scheduled for January 15 to discuss bilateral ties but again there were speculations that India is backing off from talks. India has urged Pakistan to take ‘prompt and decisive’ action on the ‘actionable intelligence’ provided by the Indian foreign ministry in the form of telephone numbers, call intercepts and possible locations of the attackers operating from Pakistan’s soil. While Pakistan’s foreign ministry has informed the National Assembly that talks with India are set to move forward, anticipation remains. PM Nawaz Sharif has consistently given reassurances and efforts are also evident in the high-level meeting called by him on Thursday to evaluate the progress on the evidence provided by India. In attendance were many important heads including Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz, director general ISI and also Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who also updated the PM regarding the status of banned outfits.
According to Indian media, Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday has denied any statement regarding the cancellation of Indo-Pak foreign sectaries level talks which are due on January 15. This is the best way forward. It is in the best interest of both the countries to indulge in negotiations to find the ways to strengthen relations.
Sanity should prevail and Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks should be given nod.