Briefing reporters about Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's recent visit to India, the Adviser said that although, the visit was essentially a ceremonial, yet the actual result and outcome was much better than expected, adding the issue of Kashmir also came under discussion.
He said that the foreign secretaries of the two countries will meet soon to discuss the way forward, adding that the secretaries will review and carry forward the bilateral agenda of talks in which some issues will be clubbed together with some new CBMs. "I hope that the process will start in the next few weeks," he added.
Under the composite dialogue process, the two countries were holding discussions on eight subjects including Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek, he said, adding that now the issue of water has also emerged between the two countries, which underscores the need for updating and restructuring the agenda of talks.
To a question, he said the title of the talks being "composite dialogue" is not an issue and it would be the bilateral dialogue between the two countries to cover all the issues.
He further said the Prime Minister had a constructive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also called on the President of India. The Prime Minister undertook this visit with a clear vision in mind, based on a strategic calculation and not just for a photo-op, he said.
In order to make this vision a reality, he said the starting point was for economic revival and development. "Without economic revival we cannot fight poverty and unemployment or protect the sovereignty of Pakistan," he said. However, the Adviser added that a robust economic agenda which is the priority of both the governments which cannot be advanced without peace in the region. Both the leaders agreed that they had the mandate to meet the hope and aspirations of one and half billion people of the two countries, he added.
He said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere where both the sides expressed their views on all issues of common concern, adding that there was a clear recognition of each other's concerns and the need for mechanisms to address them. During the meeting it was clear that both sides were of the view that confrontation should be converted into a meaningful co-operation, he added.
To another query whether the issue of Indian intervention in Balochistan through its missions in Afghanistan was discussed, he said when we say that concerns of both the sides were discussed, it means our concern on such intervention was clearly articulated. Although it was a one-day-old government, the Indian Prime Minister recognised the need for a dialogue process to address all bilateral issues that stand in the way of the good relations between the two countries, he said.
"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif agreed that it was a historic opportunity for both the countries to mark a new beginning in bilateral ties. Both the leaders felt the need to turn a new page in our relations," Aziz added. Responding to a question about grant of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India, he said the matter will be discussed after resumption of talks.
According to him, during the meeting with his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Sharif recalled the Lahore Declaration and expressed his desire to pick up the threads from where it had to be left on in October 1999. "The Declaration provides a comprehensive framework to carry forward the relationship by addressing each other's concerns and working on the common agenda," he said.
Following the delegation-to-delegation meeting, he said the two prime ministers held a one-on-one meeting in which issues of concern to both sides were discussed, including the disputes that have so far hampered advancement of bilateral relations. The adviser further said that the issue of terrorism also came under discussion and Prime Minister Sharif informed his Indian counterpart that terrorism was a mutual concern and Pakistan had suffered enormously from the menace. "The people and government of Pakistan are serious and committed to fighting terrorism in their own national interest," he added.
To a question, he rejected the reports that the Indian Prime Minister had handed over a 'charge sheet', saying that there was no such detailed discussion on the Mumbai trial and the Indian side wanted a speedy legal process so that the responsible could be brought to justice.
He also denied that Pakistan has given any specific assurances related to Mumbai attacks, adding that the legal process is going on and the law will take its course in the case. Responding to yet another question, he said that Pakistan also pointed out the delay in bringing those responsible for the Samjhota Express bombing to book.
Aziz contended that all aspects of terrorism have been discussed at different levels in the region including the Mumbai trial, the Samjhota Express and other terrorist attacks. "We believe that such issues can be handled only through constant interaction between the concerned authorities of the two countries," he added. He said Pakistan has suffered immensely because of the war against terrorism and the country is committed not to allow its territory to be used against any other country. He said that both the countries are sincere and determined to move forward and work for peace.