Islamabad, Nov 30: On the eve of talks on resumption of Indo-Pak civil aviation links, President Pervez Musharraf today announced that Pakistan would lift ban on Indian flights over its air space, removing another irritant in normalisation of bilateral ties. The significant announcement comes as the six-member Pakistani delegation arrived in New Delhi for the second round of two-day talks beginning on Monday on resumption of civil aviation links between the two countries.
"As a gesture of goodwill, Pakistan will agree to the resumption of overflights with India in the talks being held in New Delhi" from tomorrow, Musharraf said while addressing a delegation from the Pakistan and India Young Professionals Organisation here.
India severed air links with Pakistan shortly after the terrorist attack on its Parliament on December 13, 2001, prompting Islamabad to retaliate by cutting all transportation links.
If Pakistan agrees to allow Indian aircraft to use its air space, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee would be travelling to Islamabad in January directly from New Delhi to attend the SAARC summit.
Shortly after Musharraf's announcement, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri said first of all there should not be any delay in working out the modalities and technicalities for resumption of overflights. "Even if it (delay) happens.... These are not going to affect the flight of Prime Minister of India for the upcoming SAARC summit.
"Under all circumstances he has to come directly," Kasuri said and asked "Why should he come via Dubai?"
Kasuri said Vajpayee would be accorded all cordiality and respect that is to be given to Prime Minister of India. "He will be received with full respect and protocol. He will come (to Islamabad) directly."
Musharraf, who made the announcement five days after the two countries started observing the ceasefire along their borders, also hoped that the recent thaw in relations in the wake of the ceasefire along the borders would culminate in the resumption of dialogue to resolve all disputes between the two countries.
"Pakistan is sincere in its efforts for peace in the region.”
Pakistan, however, he said, wanted peace with "honour, dignity and sovereign equality" like all other nations.
Bureau Report