Indo-Pak dialog

Indo-Pak dialog

There are reasons to be optimistic about the current round of talks between the two big South Asian neighbors. The present talks under the rubric of composite dialog that includes Kashmir, apart from seven other subjects, is now underway at the secretary level, in Islamabad.

The fact that both have relented from their respective hard stands, 'only Kashmir' for Pakistan and 'all issues' for India, the present position of the two South Asian rivals suggest that it is their head rather than their heart that is guiding their actions.

While it would be premature to predict on the possible outcome of this particular aspect, it is heartening to note that it has featured in the dialogue in the first place, even if it is to, 'know each other's perspective,' to quote the Pakistan spokesmen.

We find it difficult to agree with those that do not credit the two as being responsible nuclear powers, although more needs to be done on the nuclear issue. However, we would like to think that all that has gone on in Islamabad in the last three days would help in reducing tensions and create conditions for further concrete discussions that would usher in an era of peace and harmony in the region. -- The Daily Star, Dhaka