Returning from Saudi Arabia on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif drove straight to the ministry of foreign affairs and called an ‘emergency’ meeting. The attempt was surely aimed at addressing bilateral ties with India, after allegations of skirmishes across the LoC saw hawks in New Delhi demand that all future peace talks with Pakistan be stalled. Sharif’s gesture was directed at PM Manhohan Singh so that he doesn’t refuse an anticipated meeting with Sharif next month.
A day earlier, when the DGMOS made telephone contact, both sides had stuck to their stated positions. Sharif summoned the heads of the security establishments to the foreign office. Since becoming PM, Sharif has held on to the defence as well as the foreign portfolio—it is seen as his attempt to reclaim civilian authority over these two crucial ministries that deal frequently with India. “The two countries need more dialogue to address the frequent flare-ups on the Line of Control, not less dialogue or suspension of talks....
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