Due to the lack of a suitable “environment” for a “fruitful, constructive dialogue,” Pakistan has ruled out any immediate talks with India.
During a weekly briefing on Thursday, Foreign Office spokesman Asim Iftikhar responded to questions about relations with India. He was questioned about the talks in light of the new government’s overtures and the appointment of a Trade Minister in Delhi.
Mr. Iftikhar stated that there is a national consensus on this issue, and that successive governments have followed the same policy of seeking a peaceful resolution to disputes with India. “You never shut the doors in diplomacy,” he said.
Pakistan’s desire for a diplomatic resolution of disputes
Despite Pakistan’s desire for a diplomatic resolution of disputes, Mr. Iftikhar stated that “the environment for a fruitful, constructive dialogue is not there.”
India has repeatedly stated that it wants normal neighborly relations with Islamabad in a free of terror, hostility, and violent environment. According to India, Pakistan is responsible for creating an environment free of terror and hostility.
After more than two years, Pakistan decided to appoint a trade minister to its High Commission in New Delhi, rekindling hopes for the revival of talks between the two countries. However, the commerce ministry said on Thursday that any change in trade policy toward India is unlikely.
After the former was elected Prime Minister to succeed Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi exchanged messages. Sharif raised the issue of Article 370 abrogation in Kashmir in his inaugural speech shortly after becoming Pakistan’s Prime Minister.
He expressed a desire for improved relations with India, but he linked it to the Kashmir issue. “We want good relations with India,” he said, “but lasting peace will not be possible until the Kashmir dispute is resolved.” Ties between India and Pakistan have deteriorated since terror groups based in Pakistan attacked the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016.
The relationship deteriorated further after subsequent attacks, including one on an Indian Army camp in Uri. The relationship deteriorated after India announced in August 2019 that it would withdraw Jammu and Kashmir’s special powers and divide the state into two union territories.
In response to India’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. It also halted all air and land connections with India, as well as trade and railway services.