ISLAMABAD, Apr 15:
Just a week after Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit described the peace process between the two countries as suspended, Islamabad today said the two sides were very much in contact with each other, working out modalities for Foreign Secretary level talks.
”We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out, Secretary level talks would take place,” Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly media briefing.
He pointed out that during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Pakistan in December last, it was decided that the two Foreign Secretaries should meet soon. To the question if he thought that the door was still open, the spokesperson said,” Yes, dialogue is the best option! Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries.
” When asked whether there was a divergence in the ”peace process suspended” statement of Mr Basit given in New Delhi and that of the stand taken by the Foreign Ministry, Mr Zakaria said,”There is a difference between comments on day to day ground situation as compared to broader policy and future vision and prospects. At our level here in the Ministry, we do not give a day to day running commentary on official policy.
“Replying to the peace process at a media interaction in New Delhi, the Pakistan High Commissioner had said,” There is no meeting scheduled for now. I think the peace process is at present suspended.”
His comments were taken as a first unilateral official announcement by Pakistan about suspension of the peace process and evoked a strong reaction from India.
Mr Basit’s remarks were also taken as an indication of the dichotomy between the Pakistan military and the civilian Government.
Pakistan High Commissioner had also virtually ruled out the proposed visit of the NIA to Pakistan in connection with the Pathankot terror attack of January 2 that had led to the derailment of the Foreign Secretary level talks scheduled for January 15. (UNI)
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