Islamabad, Aug 22: Dismissing India's contention that it was not very keen on resumption of rail links as long as Islamabad does not allow overflights, Pakistan today said that it was imperative that both countries make full use of the opportunities that existed for normalisation of ties. About resumption of Samjhauta Express, foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal had said, "We do not have any problem with regard to resumption of the Samjhauta rail link. But given Pakistan's attitude towards overflights and the bus service, how can we proceed on the rail link?"

Pakistan was yet to positively respond to its offer for resumption of overflights and introduction of additional buses for the Delhi-Lahore travel, he told reporters yesterday.

Reacting to Sibal's remarks, a Pakistan foreign office official said that it was imperative that both Pakistan and India made full use of the window of opportunity that exists today to demonstrate political will to boldly address all issues, notably Kashmir which strained the relations.

Both should agree to work constructively to build a relationship based on the principle of sovereign equality, the Pakistani radio quoted the official as saying. The official also recalled that on may 6 this year Pakistan Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali proposed a series of measures for confidence building in order to bring about an improvement in relations with India.

These proposals inter alia pertained to the resumption of bus service, air and rail links, resumption of sport contacts as well as talks for confidence building on nuclear related subjects.
Bureau Report