LoC trade talks

Contradictory signals of resumption of normalcy in relations with India have been pouring in ever since Nawaz Sharif got catapulted back into the seat of power in Pakistan.  During his election campaigns he, by and large, adopted non-offensive posture in respect to India. Peace loving people across the international border called it manifestation of sensible and astute statesmanship, proclaiming that the two neighbouring countries with so much in common could not afford to live in perpetual antagonism. No doubt Kashmir rhetoric with which both have obsession would not leave them altogether, yet the fact is that Nawaz Sharif also began to believe that the two countries could make progress in narrowing down differences in other aspects of relationship. The mantra of Kashmir as the core issue could be taken up separately from other issues. We are not very sure that this became the established thinking at the pivot of power in that country. Nevertheless one may note that the regime of Nawaz Sharif did not make India bashing its article of faith as was the case with his predecessors. In an overall estimation, New Delhi was not averse to the continuation of dialogue with her counterpart.
But then there happened something on the crossing point at Salamabad in Uri sector which led to the revived of traditional acrimonious atmosphere between the two countries. Playing in the hands of narcotic traffickers, perhaps not on one but on both sides of the LoC, our police seized a huge quantity of brown sugar worth a hundred crore rupees being clandestinely smuggled into our side. It led to the arrest of the driver of the bus, who has been charged-sheeted under existing laws of drug trafficking. By way of retaliation, Pakistani side detained some of our trucks that had already crossed over. The resultant ugly spate once again put bilateral dialogue off the rails and stalemate of sorts ensued with each side forcefully trying to defend its position. Ordinary people had no difficulty in understanding that Pakistan had a very weak case and was just trying to answer the sentiments of her people.
Nawaz Sharif repeated that bilateral talks should be resumed and India responded without acrimony but firmly rejected Pakistan’s demand of releasing the detained driver of the truck that transported the narcotics. A meeting of the officers of two sides has taken place and they have committed themselves to restoring normal conditions along the border. India has made some new suggestions like Pakistan issuing multi entry visa to Indian citizens intending to carry the trade across he ceasefire line and opening of Kargil-Skardu road. We appreciate that India has overcome the pressure for the release of the driver of the truck carrying narcotics and has made it sufficiently clear to her counterpart that trade can grow only if malicious intentions are not behind the venture. India has given sufficient proof to Pakistan that latter’s intentions are not purely confined to trade and commerce. India is also prepared to widen the quantum of trade and maybe she is inclined to include more items in their common trading list. Pakistan needs to reiterate her commitment to ensuring that no underhand tricks are played by the actors whenever they are able to seize an opportunity. We know that there will be more hiccups in conducting trade relations across the LoC smoothly. These have to be overcome through patient negotiating of bilateral affairs. But the primary condition of sincerity as the key to success in enlarging trade and strengthening confidence building measures has to be observed in letter and in spirit. The detained truck driver has to face the law of the land and the law is already in motion. As far as detaining of Indian truck drivers in PoK, this was an unwarranted and uncalled for act and is outright a retaliatory measure for which there is no justification whatsoever. It was gross violation of international law.

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