Pak will accommodate Indians as much as possible in Kartarpur: Foreign Ministry to WION

Pakistan and India talks on Kartarpur have been very positive says Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. 

Dr Faisal admitted that there are some differences with India on the proposed modalities of the corridor between India and Pakistan however he was quick to say that these differences are not too big.

Dr Faisal who led the Pakistani delegation to Attari, India on Thursday, March 14, 2019, to hold talks with Indian side on the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor, exclusively spoke to WION said that, he is ''expecting good things to come out from these talks'' [to be held on the April 2 at Wagah, Pakistan] and that he “hopes to conclude the rounds of meetings between India and Pakistan on the Kartarpur Sahib corridor, as soon as possible.''

In the interview, Dr Faisal remained calm, serious and maintained his line of engagement without indulging in the usual rhetoric and said that Pakistan is keen on facilitating the finalisation of this corridor and that the country has gone out of the way to accommodate the minorities of Pakistan and the people of India.

In response to a question, Dr Faisal refrained from terming the ongoing talks as the resumption of dialogue between the two neighbours ''as the Indian side is cagy'', he however was quick to point out that Pakistan is ready for talks with India on all issues including that of terrorism.

Stressing for the need of dialogue, Dr Faisal said that ''the way to forward is only through dialogue and conversations and understanding issues however any desire of Pakistan to begin the dialogue with India should not be taken as its weakness.''

On the issue of reports of a particular number of pilgrims to be allowed from India into Pakistan through the Kartarpur corridor, Dr Faisal said that he would not exactly divulge into minute details since the negotiations are currently ongoing however once agreed, it would be made public. 

He said that Pakistan will give a memorable welcome to Indian guests on April 2 at Wagah. While referring to the joint statement that was issued after the Kartarpur talks at Attari, he termed that as a big success given that ''there had not been a joint statement between India and Pakistan for many years.''

While terming the Kartarpur talks as a step in the right direction between the two neighbouring countries, Dr Faisal said, ''We will have to account for some logistical limitations which we will share with the Indian side when we meet on the April 2.''

Pakistan and India’s technical experts will be meeting on March 19 2019, Tuesday at the zero point at Kartarpur to further chalk out the way forward of the Kartarpur corridor which Pakistan aims at opening before November 2019, this meeting is to be followed by a visit of the Indian delegation at Wagah, Pakistan on April 2, 2019.