Islamabad, Sep 7: “Terrorism was mantra of the past, terrorism is not the mantra of future,” said Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar today ahead of her talks with Indian counterpart S M Krishna, asking India to see the Mumbai terror attack trial “realistically” and not “emotionally”.
She also indicated that the new visa agreement will be inked during Krishna's visit.
Asserting that Pakistan has sent some very “serious signals” in viewing India in different light and on moving with India in various sectors, for instance trade relations, Khar told PTI in an interview that by doing this her country was “breaking away from many positions we have held”.
Making a strong pitch for the resumed dialogue process to continue, she said, moving forward will mean “Pakistan and India being able to sit around the dialogue table and convert the baby steps into medium-sized strides, which I think is already happening, and then big leaps forward and for that we need to change the mindset.
“I am appalled when I am told that terrorism continues to be an issue. Who can tell me that terrorism is not an issue for Pakistan. And this is all old-time (things)...”
The Minister said whatever has happened before today is past and we should not miss on opportunities to build cooperation in future.
“I would be very sorry if Pakistan chose to define its identity by hostile relations with India and vice-versa,” she said.
On India's demand for early conclusion of the 26/11 trial, Khar said “by repeating the same things again and again, issues are not resolved”.
India should see the whole issue “realistically”, keeping in mind the judicial process and not “emotionally”, she added. She also advocated that the two countries should build on the gains and agreements made in the past on issues like Sir Creek and Siachen.
Asked if she thought the liberalised visa pact will be signed during Krishna's visit, Khar said “inshaallah (God willing). Should be.”
