‘India, Pakistan should not foreclose talk options’

Dialogue is the best option between Pakistan and India and the two sides should not think in terms “foreclosing any options”, a top Pakistani official said on Thursday.

“During Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi’s visit to Pakistan in December 2015, it was decided that the two foreign secretaries should meet soon. It is hoped that both sides would work out modalities for the foreign secretary-level talks,” foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said when asked if the word “suspended” correctly defines the current state of the bilateral peace process.

“We need to look ahead and not think in terms foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out secretary-level talks would take place,” he said.

“Dialogue is the best option. Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries,” he said. Mr Zakaria’s comments came days after Pakistan high commissioner to India Abdul Basit said the bilateral peace process stands “suspended”.

When asked if the position in Islamabad is similar to Pakistan’s high commissioner to New Delhi, he 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.” He said Pakistan was committed to resolving all outstanding issues with India.