‘Tibet-like tact needed to thaw Indo-Pak ties’

He said that Islamabad’s response to PM Vajpayee’s peace initiatives was inspired by ‘‘serious’’ considerations related to Pakistan’s future. ‘‘Today, we are economically stable. It does not pay to be involved in a conflicting relationship with India. Pakistan has also achieved an international image. The world realizes the role we can play and we have done so in Afghanistan and Iraq. If we cannot resolve our problems with India, then what will the world think of us?’’

Praising Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s initiatives in recent years, Maqbool — who was Commander of the Lahore-based 4 Corps — seemed convinced that ‘‘true democracy’’ has arrived in Pakistan. ‘‘Today, all democratic structures are in place, we are on a path of moderation and want to look ahead. It meets none of our objectives to have adverse ties with India. We are keen to have a dialogue with India on all issues but some issues have to be addressed for the process to have any meaning. Both have to admit that despite our similarities, we cannot wish away our differences.’’

Maqbool emphasized that Islamabad has laid no conditions on discussing some issues first and others later. ‘‘All we have maintained is that we must start a dialogue. What issue gets discussed first can be agreed upon mutually. I think India’s decision to participate in the SAARC Summit in January in Pakistan is a step in the right direction.’’ But for all his opinions on Indo-Pak ties, Maqbool committed little on what he had in mind to propose to the Federal Government of Pakistan to improve people-to-people contact in Punjab. On being pressed, he said: ‘‘We can share knowledge on agriculture and irrigation. There is the Basant festival every February. If Indians can make it in large numbers, it will be a boost for our hotel and tourism industry.’’