Pak foresees more CBMs with India in near future

Islamabad, Nov 6 : Pakistan ambassador in New Delhi Shahid Malik has expressed hope that there was a likelihood that some more confidence building measures (CBMs) aimed at improving Indo-Pak relations would be taken soon, because "so many channels are operating for such a long time".

He, however, emphasised that Kashmir continued to be the core issue for Pakistan, and that it was vital to address the issue.

In an interview with the Daily Times, Malik said that his country foresees the possibility of a breakthrough with India on the Kashmir dispute in the next few months.

Backing President Asif Ali Zaradari's remarks that some 'good news' for Kashmiris was on the anvil, the Pakistani High Commissioner said there was "every possibility of some measure being taken over the next few months".

He, however, declined to specify the exact nature of the breakthrough.

"There is a general feeling in Pakistan at the highest level that since so many channels are operating for such a long time, there is every possibility of some measures being taken over the next few months. But, I cannot tell you specifically what exactly is going to happen, that is for the president to say," the paper quoted him as saying.

Maintaining that in Pakistan there was a huge desire for better relations with India, he stressed progress on all issues. "It will not be wise to only focus on one issue and leave the others behind," he said, but added that it was vital to address the Kashmir issue.

Malik added that Pakistan had proposed nuclear and conventional confidence building measures (CBMs) to India that were under review, and that the issue was being discussed by the foreign secretaries.

He said the imbalance in bilateral trade was a source of concern. Despite India lifting all restriction on imports from Pakistan, the balance of trade was still tilted towards India, he said and added: "We have been telling the Indian side that despite the no-restriction's clause from India, we have been unable to export much due to the non-tariff barriers and excessive tariff against our goods."

He revealed that Pakistan had submitted a list of 25 items that were being treated unfairly by India. "The Indian government is examining the list and we are awaiting its response," he added.

ANI