Pak brings out Kashmir issue again

Islamabad, Jun 24: Pakistan again pointed out Kashmir issue as the first round of Indo-Pak foreign secretary bilateral talks between Nirupama Rao and her Pakistan counterpart Salman Bashir on Thursday, Jun 24.

The meeting between the two officials, intended to bridge trust deficit between two countries have again cast doubt as Pakistan once again brought up the issue of Kashmir, reports a leading news paper. Pakistan has demanded the reduction of Indian troops from the border. Pakistan has demanded for the withdrawal of what they call 'draconian' laws, echoing the demands of Jammu Kashmir separatists.

Pakistan focuses their agenda on de-linking terror from talks. They defined terrorism as a 'common problem'. Pakistan is also likely to raise the issue of 1960 Indus Water treaty and the issue of Indian involvement in Balochistan.

India's top agenda in the talks is cross border terrorism and taking legal action against Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind behind the Mumbai attack. India wants Pakistan to concentrate mainly on terror instead of making it all inclusive. India is likely to avoid a joint statement and hold back the controversial Kashmir issue.

OneIndia News