ISLAMABAD: The stalled Indo-Pak composite dialogue process is all set to restart in August, with Islamabad proposing dates for water secretary-level talks meant to address the Wullar Barrage issue with New Delhi “actively considering it”.
Pakistan confirmed yesterday a set of new dates given to New Delhi which would enable the two sides to resume the third round of their composite dialogue. Both countries are now engaged in finalising the dates.
Indian media reports speak of Pakistan’s proposal of setting August 27-28 for the Wullar Barrage meeting between the water and power secretaries of the two countries and September 16-17 for the Sir Creek maritime boundary issue.
An official source said: “Dates are being worked out. We have proposed dates for segments which would be held in Pakistan which include talks on water, Sir Creek and the Foreign Secretary level meeting. At the foreign secretary level, we will discuss Kashmir, peace, security and friendly exchanges.”
Finally the foreign ministers will meet in Islamabad to review the progress. For the first time, a senior official said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart will be meeting on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly in September.
However, for the time being sources here are not ready to publicise the date expected after Eid in August.
News for officials getting ready to return to the negotiating table comes amidst news of an uneasy calm on the Line of Control which saw a Pakistani soldier killed on Saturday by Indian fire.
Internews
