ISLAMABAD, Jan 28: Pakistan is likely to announce some peace initiatives to reduce
the rising levels of tension with India, Dawn learnt through well-placed sources on Tuesday.
The peace initiatives proposed by President General Pervez Musharraf may include releasing Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, according to sources close to the president.
Gen Musharraf was said to have indicated the possible overtures during a meeting with the president of India’s opposition Janata Party, Dr Subramanium Swamy, when the latter called on him on Tuesday.
Dr Swamy said in an interview with Dawn on Sunday that he had come to Pakistan on a “mission of peace” and had expressed hope that President Musharraf would take some “reconciliatory” initiatives.
According to informed sources, President Musharraf also told the visiting Indian politician that Pakistan was in the process of proposing new dates for the Saarc Summit. Apparently, a summary in
this regard has already been sent to the prime minister’s secretariat.
The 12th Saarc Summit that was to be held in Islamabad this month was postponed due to non-confirmation of participation by India and Bhutan.
