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Islamabad Dialogue welcomes resumption ..

Posted on: Sat April 30, 2011

ISLAMABAD : The participants of a discussion hailing from India and Pakistan have welcomed resumption of dialogue between the two countries following a meeting of prime ministers of India and Pakistan at Mohali.

The two-day Islamabad Dialogue organised by Jinnah Institute of Sherry Rehman MNA ended here on Friday with participants from both sides stating that they are encouraged that India and Pakistan have committed themselves to discussing and resolving all outstanding issues, particularly Kashmir and terrorism. The discussion was held on a range of issues including bilateral dialogue, Kashmir, terrorism and role of media in Indo-Pak relations.

Sherry said that there was a need of more frequent interactions between members of civil society at the track II level so that they could continue to give their input in the bilateral dialogue.

Participants from Pakistan said that long standing dispute of Kashmir was a constant hurdle in way of good relations between the two countries. They said that the channels of communication between the two countries should be open at all levels because dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the disputes. They said that human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir should be stopped.

Member of the Indian Lok Sabha, Baijayant Panda said that lack of peace in South Asia and the strained relationship between India and Pakistan had been major hurdle in the way of economic growth in the region. He was of the view that improving trade relations would help improve relationship between India and Pakistan. The participants strongly condemned terrorism in South Asia. Pakistani participants agreed that terrorism posed a serious challenge to the country.

The joint resolution finalized at the conclusion in the light of discussion and sent to media stated that the new environment of co-operation and mutual respect between the two countries that was reinvigorated at Mohali must now be followed up with fresh, bold and innovative measures which will ensure the permanent transformation of the relationship between India and Pakistan from an adversarial one to a partnership for regional prosperity.

Participants from both the sides said that New Delhi and Islamabad should facilitate a dialogue between representatives from all parts of Jammu &Kashmir reflecting all shades of political opinion as part of an inclusive peace process. They were unanimous that terrorism should not be used as an instrument of policy.

Those, who participated in the two days dialogue from Indian side included Sushobha Barve, Executive Director Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation, former foreign secretary Salman Haider, member Rajya Sabha Baijayant Panda and others. Pakistani participants included MNA and President of Jinnah Institute, Sherry Rehman, Prime Minister AJ&K Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, former ambassador Humayun Khan, Aziz A. Khan, journalists and others.

Courtesy : Business Recorder