KARACHI, Dec 8: The noted biographer of the Quaid-i-Azam, Professor Stanley Wolpert, has hoped that “real engagement towards peace” will start between Pakistan and India by the end of the next year, in which all Kashmiri parties will participate.

“I hope the recent initiatives by both sides will take Islamabad and Delhi closer to peace. There is no instant agreement on Kashmir in view of the hardline positions of the parties concerned. We should be prepared for a bumpy road ahead.”

Prof Wolpert made these remarks while speaking at a lunch hosted for him by Liaquat H. Merchant, grandnephew of the Quaid-i-Azam, on Monday.

Prof Wolpert, who later left for Islamabad to address a conference on confidence-building measures between Pakistan and India, noted that there had been “a radical improvement” in relations between Islamabad and India after the announcement of a ceasefire on the Line of Control by Islamabad.

He felt the next step would be drawing back of troops from the LoC, and the opening up of borders. “I am confident that soon there would be a realization to work for durable peace, trade and development, which will be better for the people of South Asia.”

Earlier, Mr Merchant said Prof Wolpert had agreed to become patron of the Jinnah Society.

Prof Wolpert also spoke at a dinner hosted for him by the Oxford University Press on Sunday.