The interior secretaries of India and Pakistan began discussions in Islamabad on Thursday. India expressed its disappointment over the pace of court proceedings against the suspects behind the Mumbai attack on 26/11. Indian officials held that a number of suspects including mastermind Hafiz Sayeed had never been arrested by the Pakistani government although it had furnished adequate evidence. The Pakistani government contends that it lacks admissible evidence in a court of law to prosecute Sayeed. Pakistan interior secretary Siddiq Akbar Khwaja however said that his side was discussing the issue with an open mind. What is hopeful is that the two sides have given finishing touches to a relaxed visa regime. It will include tourist visas, visas on arrival for children and senior citizens as well as year-long multiple entry visas for businessmen.
The relaxation of the visa regime indicates willingness on the part of both countries to improve relations. The decks are being cleared for Pakistan to confer MFN status on India by year end. What is clear is that New Delhi and Islamabad are anxious to strengthen economic ties. It flies in the face of reason that Pakistan should be so sticky about the punishment of the villains of the 26/11 Mumbai attack, especially Sayeed who had also incurred US disapproval. President Asif Ali Zardari is reported to have said that he would return the culprits to India. But that was just words. The fact is that Pakistan is a house divided and the anti-India, pro-Jehadi group wields considerable clout. There is a contradiction as trade cannot flow if political misunderstanding persists over the 26/11 tragedy.