Politics poses hurdles in improving ties: Basit

Pakistan High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit today said "politics or issues" posed hurdles in improving bilateral ties, although people on both sides of the border wished the relationship to flourish and foster growth.
"While people on both sides of the border wish the relationship to foster growth, politics or issues do not allow us to get together and work together. And I am constrained to say that perhaps between Pakistan and India, politics comes (before) logic," Basit said.
The envoy was speaking at a special session - "Enhancing trade relations between India and Pakistan" - organised by the Calcutta Chamber of Commerce.

He expressed hope that the time would come when logic would triumph over politics and not the other way round.
"In the last 67 years, they have been busy blaming each other. Pakistan blames India and India blames Pakistan," he said.
Basit, however, claimed that in the last elections in Pakistan, not a single anti-India statement was made.

"India bashing doesn't attract votes. In Pakistan people are clear. They want to have a relationship that is based on mutual interest and sovereign equality," he said.
The Pakistani envoy said, "It pains me that our exhibitions are not allowed to be held in Mumbai or other places. Our cultural troops are not allowed to perform. That really pains me as Pakistan High Commissioner to India. We want more and more bilateral activities."

Asked about liberalisation of tourist visa between the two countries, he said, "One has to be realistic. I don't see that happening very soon.