With television channels selectively highlighting a few portions of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir’s comments made at a news conference here, government sources reiterated that Thursday’s Secretary-level talks were non-polemical in nature and held in a good atmosphere. “The tone and tenor was extremely good and cordial,” they said. “When we talked in a mature manner, they listened and when they spoke, we listened. With these talks we got a better idea of each other’s positions on all issues,” the sources said dismissing some “sharp” comments from Mr. Bashir as a “different style of talking.”
However, with Parliament in session, a section of officials is worried over the impact of selective airing of comments on some observations made by Mr. Bashir such as his assertion that considerable time was devoted to Kashmir, whereas Nirupama Rao had said it was discussed briefly. As much as 85 per cent of the time was spent on discussing terrorism and 15 per cent on 11 other issues, these officials clarified.
On Mr. Bashir’s observations on water, the officials felt that Pakistan, by raising this issue, was trying to paper over inter-provincial rivalry, siltation and improper storage.
Intelligence sharing
Responding to Islamabad’s offer on intelligence sharing, the sources pointed out that 10 dossiers had so far been submitted to Pakistan. It would be better if it took more decisive steps to take action on the intelligence given by India. “Where is the conspiracy being hatched? It is their prime responsibility to unveil the conspiracy. The issue is of will and desire if they want meaningful cooperation,” they said.
The section of officials did not agree with the attempt to equate the 26/11 attacks with violence in Pakistan which they felt was brought out by Mr. Bashir’s observation that Pakistan had suffered hundreds of Mumbai. “India has been the victim of terrorism of Pakistan’s creation, whereas Pakistan has been a victim of their own creation,” these officials responded.
