The Indo-Pak dialogue process, stalled due to disturbances in Pakistan, will restart after installation of a new government in that country.
After his meeting with Pakistan's caretaker Foreign Minister Inamul Haq in New Delhi on Friday, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Foreign Secretaries of the two countries will hold talks to wind up the fourth round of Composite Dialogue after formation of new government in Pakistan.
Both sides hoped the dialogue process will move ahead, Mukherjee told media persons after his meeting with Haq on the sidelines of the SAARC Foreign Ministers' meeting.
Mukherjee noted that the fourth round of composite dialogue was yet to be wound up as Foreign Secretary-level talks could not take place.
"Immediately after installation of a new government in Pakistan, the Foreign Secretaries will complete the fourth round of composite dialogue after which we will launch the fifth round. We will have to wait till regular government is in place in Pakistan," he said.
Pointing out that bilateral relation had moved forward, including in trade sector, he said 'normal work' between the two countries could not be carried out because of 'certain circumstances' in Pakistan recently.
The Foreign Secretary-level talks were to be held at the end of the fourth round of composite dialogue completed in October. However, no dates were decided as Emergency was imposed in Pakistan, leading to turmoil in the country.
Confidence building measures in various areas are being worked out, the External Affairs Minister said.
Referring to Sir Creek issue, Mukherjee said joint surveys have been completed and both sides have exchanged ideas. Discussions will be held as soon as possible to resolve the issue, he said.
During the meeting between Mukherjee and Haq, the two sides covered the entire range of bilateral issues and expressed keenness to push the dialogue process. Haq also gave an update to Mukherjee on the latest situation in Pakistan.
He told Mukherjee that the mandate of the interim government in Pakistan was to ensure completion of the election process. The polls are slated to be held in January next year.
