ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Foreign Office on Thursday described recent calls from influential Indian figures for renewed dialogue between the two neighboring countries as a positive development, while reiterating its wait for a formal response from the Indian government.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, during a weekly briefing, confirmed that Pakistan views the statements from India’s political and military circles as encouraging. “We consider the voices from India supporting dialogue with Pakistan as a positive development. We are waiting for a positive reaction from the Indian government over these suggestions,” she said.
Baloch also clarified that Pakistan is not currently aware of any active Track II or backchannel contacts between the two nations. “Presently, we don’t know any Track II or backdoor contacts,” she added, while noting that Islamabad is closely observing recent interactions between the United States and China.
Commenting on the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China, the spokesperson said the exact dates would be announced once finalized.
The remarks follow an interview given by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Secretary General Dattatreya Hosabale to Indian media, in which he stressed the need for keeping a window open for dialogue between Pakistan and India. Hosabale underscored that people-to-people contacts are key to breaking the long-standing deadlock in bilateral ties.
Echoing that sentiment, former Indian army chief General (retd) Manoj Naravane also supported the RSS leader’s call, advocating for sustained communication channels between Islamabad and New Delhi. “There should always be a window for dialogue,” Naravane remarked, urging both sides to maintain engagement despite differences.
Pakistan-India relations have remained tense for decades, with periodic conflicts over the disputed region of Kashmir and cross-border terrorism. However, recent signals from both civil and military quarters in India have raised hopes for a possible thaw. Analysts suggest that Track II diplomacy, involving non-official dialogues, could pave the way for formal talks.
The Foreign Office’s measured response reflects Pakistan’s cautious optimism. While welcoming the statements, officials have stressed the need for concrete steps from the Indian government.
Source: ARY News