Pakistan-India Track-2 diplomacy in Dubai

DUBAI: “Stand-by; Camera; Action” these words are said when recording films but we have been witnessing them in real sense for years during the Pakistan-India talks. Pakistan and India though never agree on any point but at least opinion makers and influential elements of both the countries have decided to initiate Pakistan India talks behind the doors for restoration of trust between the two nuclear nations.

On Sunday, representatives of Pakistan and India including Kashmiris across the Line of Control (LoC) gathered in an exquisite hotel of Dubai away from the scorching sun and media hysteria. The back channel diplomacy talks are being held by a London-based-independent organization, Conciliation Resources. The purpose of the body is to prevent violence, resolve conflicts and promote peaceful societies.

The dialogue has been attended by politicians, former ambassadors, a few ex-army officers, prominent members of the civil society and selected journalists from both the countries being held from July 31 till Aug 1.

Although, the participants congregated to discuss the ideas to improve the biliteral relations and examine the notions to create confidence building measures to initiate government-level talks but they openly and deeply discussed current political changes in Pakistan. During the first session, a few Indian representatives sarcastically said that as soon as India started talks with Pakistan, the government went away, sources claimed. The sources said that representatives from both the sides of Kashmir also highlighted the issues to look at ways to improve the relations.

They shared experiences to improve peace building policies and practice them worldwide. The official talks between India and Pakistan began several times but are currently stalled and have yet to settle the longstanding conflict in and around Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the representatives involved in the dynamic discussion has sought to break through barriers of mistrust in the region for the peace and betterment of the people from both sides. Both the sides although agreed that the ceasefire violations should be stopped as soon as possible to avoid more human losses. The talks will continue today (Tuesday) as well.