This Friday came as a ‘Good Friday’ for South East Asia as India and Pakistan agreed to hold meetings to deliberate over the improvement of Indo-Pak relationship. But Islamabad said that Delhi ought to give serious thoughts to certain outstanding issues that need immediate attention.

In a joint press conference, Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi agreed that the current scenario is congenial and suitable for settling the past disputes and establishing cordial ties.

The fifth round of the composite dialogue is slated to take place on July 21-22 with the focus on peace and security and Jammu & Kashmir. Experts from both the countries will meet on July 10 in order to give proper framework to the confidence-building measures across the Loc, something which has been a long lasting discussion over the past few meetings.

Other topics of discussion included co-operation of infrastructure projects, increase in train services, regular interaction on anti-terrorism issues and concentration on issues that would ensure humane treatment of prisoners.

Qureshi felt that at least the disputes regarding Sir Creek and the Siachen are immediately resolvable. “I personally feel the resolution of Sir Creek is doable, Siachen can be resolved and liberalization of visas is to mutual advantage,” he said.

He was also of opinion that “A positive movement will give confidence and revitalize the faith of the people in the process. The people will support this positive movement.”

Mr. Mukherjee is hopeful of a good outcome of the fifth round of composite dialogue.