Indian demand for restricted opening of LoC accepted: FO
Kashmiris get ready to share quake grief
By Our Diplomatic Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Monday cleared a list of Kashmiris from Indian Occupied Kashmir to travel across the LoC through the points agreed between Islamabad and New Delhi to facilitate quake-hit people in the aftermath of October 8 earthquake.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tasneem Aslam told reporters Pakistan had approved three lists of 83 residents of Occupied Kashmir within three days to facilitate the divided families in the aftermath of the quake. She said Pakistan was also conveying to India Monday names of 70 people from Azad Kashmir who want to travel across the LoC.
Pakistan and India had agreed on October 29 to open crossing points on the LoC following a proposal by President General Pervez Musharraf to help the Kashmiri people living on both sides to share their grief and help each other in relief and reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, fourth of the five agreed routes, Tattapani-Mendhar was opened on Monday while the remaining Hajipur-Ori point was scheduled to become operational on November 16.
The spokesperson, however, said that the Indian authorities had informed the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on November 11 that due to logistic problems and staff constraint they were prepared to open one crossing point each once a week.
“We are prepared and would prefer all crossing points are opened all days of the week for the convenience of Kashmiri people but would be prepared to accept (Indian schedule) in view of constraints expressed by them,” Aslam said.
India has proposed that Chakothi-Ori crossing point should remain open on November 17 and December 1; Nauseri-Teetwal November 19 and 26 and December 3 and 10; Rawalakot-Poonchh point on November 21and December 5; Hajipir-Ori on November 24 and December 8 and Tattapani-Mandhar on November 28 and December 12.
Responding to a question the spokesperson said as per agreement concluded last month, the objective of the opening of the crossing points was to facilitate Kashmiris on both sides of the LoC to meet each other.
Asked about India contention that the arrangement was for the limited period , she said there was no mention of time-frame in the agreement and Pakistan believed that these points should remain open for longer period as the process of rehabilitation and reconstruction would take a much longer time.
Asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister’s remarks about failed states in the region, the spokesperson said “we don’t known whom he was referring to but surely the reference could not have been to Pakistan”. She said Pakistan was a strong country and also a nuclear power. “It would be highly irresponsible for anyone to suggest that a nuclear state could be a failed state,” she added. The spokesperson said Pakistani nation’s strengthen, determination and courage was evident from the vibrant response given to the situation arising out 
of the earthquake. When her attention was drawn to remarks of the Indian Prime Minister about trust deficit, she said Pakistan has all along been emphasizing the need to develop the trust but added, that required addressing with courage issues like Kashmir.
She said the Kashmir dispute has to be resolved in a manner acceptable to Pakistan, India and above all the Kashmiri people. To a question the spokeswoman said talks on Baglihar dam are being held away from the media glare and the next round would be held in the beginning of next year. She hoped that some arrangement would be agreed upon.
Responding to another question she said Pakistan is committed to the gas pipeline project and there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind about it. The spokesperson said during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit, Prime Minister Aziz reiterated Pakistan would go ahead with the project of building gas pipeline from Iran and would like India to join it. Pakistan has energy requirements and there could be no compromise on that, she added.
The Foreign Office spokesperson said Pakistan is expecting around 300 delegates to participate in the forthcoming donors’ conference. She said foreign delegations were visiting Pakistan to see for themselves the situation on the ground so that they have better idea of what are the exact requirements.
Mrs. Tasnim Aslam said Afghanistan’s joining of the SAARC would strengthen political and economic cooperation in the region. She denied that any Pakistani official or unofficial delegation was visiting Israel on behest of the government to prepare for the visit of an official delegation to Gaza and the West Bank. The visit of the official delegation was being reviewed along with all other foreign visits in view of the earthquake situation, she added.
Pakistan wants that all crossing points on the Line of Control (LoC), should remain open on all days of the week for the convenience of the Kashmiris, Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said while responding to an Indian proposal for opening of one crossing point once a week.
The spokesperson, however, said Pakistan is prepared to accept the schedule suggested by India in view of New Delhi’s plea of logistical problems and shortage of staff to man the crossing points. India has proposed that Chakothi-Ori crossing point should remain open on the 17th of this month and 1st of next month, Nauseri-Teetwal 19th and 26th of this month and 3rd and 10th of next month, Rawalakot-Poonch point on 21st of this month and 5th of next month, Hajipir-Ori on 24th of this month and 8th of next month and Tattapani-Mandhar on 28th of this month and 12th of next month.
Pakistan Monday cleared a list of 83 persons given by India on Thursday last for crossing. These persons have already traveled on the Muzaffarabad-Srinagar bus service, the spokesperson told a news conference. Pakistan is also conveying to India names of 70 people from Azad Kashmir who want to travel across the Line of Control.