However a recent thaw saw Swaraj visit Islamabad this week for a two-day regional conference that ended with a diplomatic breakthrough as both sides agreed to hold high-level peace talks.
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“While the statement addressed Indian concerns over the Mumbai trial, what about Samjhauta Express case and J&K cause, which the government recently took up at the United Nations and kept boasting about taking such a stand”, said Mazari.
On Friday, Aziz gave detailed information to the Pakistan National Assembly about the proposed India-Pak talks, its format and the topics to be covered. Both India and Pakistan have chose to increase people to people contact as well.
Following the meeting between Pakistan’s Adviser to Prime Minister Sartaj Aziz and Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, a joint declaration had been issued, Dunya News reported.
“Either the foreign secretaries would meet by end of January or early February in 2016”, an informed source said, adding that the two secretaries would decide how to proceed further.
Earlier on December 8, John Kirby told reporters that normalization of India-Pakistan relations is vital not only for both countries but also for the entire region.
The discussions will involve “peace and security, CBMs, Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen…
But today, let us at least resolve to help Afghanistan — in the best traditions of good neighbourliness — through more effective transit arrangements”, she said. Swaraj said the resumed talks will center on issues of peace and security, Jammu and Kashmire, Sir Creek, narcotics control humanitarian issues, commercial cooperation, religious terrorism among others.
Aziz claimed Pakistan had emphasised it is a victim of terrorism and sacrificed thousands of lives in the fight against terrorism. “However, I did raise it unofficially over the dinner with Ms Swaraj and in response she said in presence of friction in ties such things happen and hopefully with the improved relations all issues, including cricket, will be resolved”, the adviser said.
Aziz said it was also decided that terrorism would be discussed by the two National Security Advisers as part of this Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue.
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The negotiations on Wednesday ultimately yielded the resumption of a multi-pronged, “comprehensive” dialogue that was suspended three years ago – an outcome that reflects an as-yet-unexplained about-turn by the Narendra Modi government on Pakistan. Pakistan is seen as a key partner in the talks, given its relationship with the Taliban, and China has been trying to cajole its “iron brother” into a good faith effort to support Afghan reconciliation.
