Ending days of speculation that Pakistan may pull out of talks, Pakistan Prime Minister’s Advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Thursday confirmed that he would be travelling to New Delhi for the National Security Advisor (NSA)-level talks on August 23-24. Aziz made the announcement in Islamabad, in what was a routine 23-minute media interaction with him and the visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif after their bilateral talks at the Pakistan foreign ministry. After their initial statements which lasted for about six minutes, the first question posed to Aziz was on whether the Pakistan government was planning to cancel the talks with India. READ: NSA-level talks may herald a new beginning in India, Pakistan ties “Well, the subject today is Iran.but since you have asked, so I will reply. Yes, I can confirm that I will be going to India on (August) 23rd for talks,” said Aziz, who functions as both NSA and foreign minister. Sources said Indian officials also came to know of the confirmation through the media. Over two hours later, Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson Vikas Swarup, when asked, said, “On NSA talks, we have no official confirmation (from Pakistan).” In Islamabad, replying to another question on the Indo-Pak talks, Aziz said: “Our Prime Minister has always believed in dialogue. It was India which suspended the meeting which was scheduled between the two foreign secretaries on August 25 last year. And then at India’s request, the two Prime Ministers met in Ufa, Russia, on July 10, and they agreed that the two NSAs will meet in Delhi.” He said: “It (upcoming meeting) is not a breakthrough in terms of composite dialogue on all issues. But at least it is ice-breaking on some issues. And let us hope that it would lead to further more comprehensive dialogue on all the issues between the two countries. So we do believe in dialogue to resolve the issues.” Pakistan government sources said an official confirmation was expected to be relayed in the next few days. “Maybe after our Independence Day weekend,” said a Pakistani official, indicating that August 14 is a holiday in Islamabad (Pakistan’s Independence Day). Pakistan’s confirmation comes amid simmering tension following terror attacks in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir and incidents of ceasefire violations, prompting strong diplomatic protests from both sides. According to a PTI report from Islamabad, the decision on the meeting between Aziz and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval was taken after the final nod by Sharif, who returned last night from his three-day visit to Belarus. The talks are expected to witness a frank conversation between the two countries. With India suffering two terror attacks in Punjab and J&K in the recent past, Doval is expected to make India’s case forcefully, including the alleged involvement of Pakistani nationals in these attacks and the bail to 26/11 accused Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. A Pakistan national, Mohammad Naveed, was captured for carrying out an attack on Indian forces in J&K.
