Despite early indications of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif walking the talk on improving ties with India, there was hardly any forward movement in that direction, sources said on Tuesday.
India’s decision to call off foreign secretary level talks between the two countries slated in Islamabad on August 25 has domestic political compulsions.
However, sources said there was no indication of Pakistan responding positively on even simplest of measures, which could have come in the form of an executive directive from Sharif.
There were no indications from Pakistan on walking the trade front either, which could have signalled positivity.
Sources cited containerised trucks crossing over Wagah — a promise made long ago. “India has been giving positive signals on trade ties, like export of gas to Pakistan.
There are concrete measures being chalked out between GAIL India and ISGS of Pakistan for supply of gas for a period of five years,” the source said.
“When you talk of a new beginning there has to be progress on the Mumbai terror trial case,” the source added.
{{/usCountry}}“When you talk of a new beginning there has to be progress on the Mumbai terror trial case,” the source added.
{{/usCountry}}The cancellation of talks has also derailed a possible meeting between India and Pakistan PMs on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in September.
Meanwhile, a day after India cancelled the talks, Pakistan reacted strongly saying it was “not subservient” to New Delhi and was a “legitimate stakeholder” in the Kashmir dispute.
Arguing that high commissioner Abdul Basit did not interfere in India’s internal affairs, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam claimed that Kashmir was not a part of India.