Date okayed to start Pak air link talks

Islamabad, however, has been indicating there should be an agreement which would prevent any snapping of air links. Sources said talks about guarantees do not help create a proper atmosphere for matters to move forward.

Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner Munawar Bhaty said this was definitely one of the issues under consideration. ‘‘We have maintained there should be a mechanism to ensure political developments don’t harm commercial interests. Unilateral decisions to snap air links hurt business of both countries. But this is an issue to be discussed and is not a pre-condition of any sort.’’

While Islamabad is keen on resuming point-to-point flight services, India has been awaiting a clear stand from Pakistan on the issue of overflights. It must be noted that India had granted overflight permission to Pakistan last year itself. This will now come up for discussion on August 27 and 28.

Both sides have yet to decide on the composition of the technical teams. It is, however, learnt the Indian team, apart from a senior official from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, will comprise representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India and one of the national carriers. The government will have to decide whether a representative from the Ministry of External Affairs will accompany the team or whether an official of the Indian High Commission would fill the gap.

It is learnt that Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, during an informal discussion with Home Ministry officials, indicated there shouldn’t be a problem in giving a green signal to the Samjhauta Express.