NEW DELHI: Back channel efforts to save Indo-Pak talks from being derailed in the wake of terror attack on Pathankot airbase of the IAF seem to be gaining momentum with reconciliatory tones being heard from both sides.
Even as the External Affairs Ministry here kept a studied silence over the issue, leaving it to the political leadership to react, Pakistan’s Foreign office in Islamabad came out with an appeal to continue the dialogue process. Contrary to its earlier stances, Pakistan did not appear in denial mode, plainly accepting the fact it was “working on the leads” provided by the Indian side.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is understood to have talked to his counterpart Lt Gen Nasir Khan Janjua before the phone intercepts purportedly between terrorists involved in the Pathankot attack and their handlers across the border were handed over to the Pakistani authorities.
The response from the ruling political establishment was cautious. Most of the ministers in the Modi government seemed to be exercising restraint over the issue of Indo-Pak talks.
Articulating New Delhi’s stand, senior Union minister Arun Jaitley said the next course will be decided only after the Pathankot operation to clear the base from terrorists gets over.
Surprisingly, tone of Pakistan office sounded very sympathetic. In a clear departure from the past, it said, ” We understand the pain of many families who have lost their dear ones in this tragedy, as Pakistan itself is a major victim of terrorism.
“The unfortunate incident in Pathankot, India, has been categorically condemned by Pakistan,” the statement said, adding that, “In line with Pakistan’s commitment to effectively counter and eradicate terrorism, the government is in touch with Indian government and is working on the leads provided by it.”
The Pakistani foreign office went on to say, “Living in the same region and with a common history, the two countries should remain committed to a sustained dialogue process. The challenge of terrorism calls for strengthening our resolve to a cooperative approach.”
Islamabad’s all weather friend, China, also counselled that the dialogue process between India and Pakistan should not be allowed to derail.
“We condemn this attack…At this juncture this attack might have been launched intentionally to disrupt this momentum (in Indo-Pak ties). Many media reports have such doubts…,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing in Beijing. (UNI)
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