This refers to the news “India and Pakistan to announce CBMs.”  India and Pakistan are set to unveil specific cross-Kashmir and nuclear confidence-building measures (CBMs) during their foreign ministers meet on July 26-27. The news is very heartening. It is good that amid an improved atmosphere, both the countries have decided to continue the resumed peace process.
The news report said the talks between the foreign ministers will be preceded by a meeting of foreign secretaries and separate meetings of working groups on cross-border and nuclear CBMs agreed to during the talks in Islamabad last month. It is a welcome development and must continue in a similar fashion in the years to come. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir is expected to come to India on July 25 to meet his Indian counterpart Nirupama Rao. They are expected to set the agenda for the talks between the foreign ministers. Similarly,
Pakistan’s Minister of State for External Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, who is widely speculated to be the next foreign minister, will come to New Delhi for talks with External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. It is good that there are many issues on the table, including terrorism and Kashmir.
The peace process which has resumed between the two countries after 26/11 Mumbai terror attack must focus on Kashmir more specifically. Although other issues can also be discussed, there is need to focus on Kashmir given the importance of resolving the dispute. There are many countries which have favoured resolution of Kashmir as early as possible. India and Pakistan must take a call on the issue.
Abdul Wahid
Chadoora Budgam

Lastupdate on : Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST