ISLAMABAD, July 30: Pakistan has proposed to India two sets of dates for expert-level talks on resumption of air links and overflights between the two countries.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has proposed August 27-28 and September 3-4 for the technical level talks between the civil aviation authorities of the two countries for revival of air links and related matters, it was officially announced here on Wednesday.

The talks would be held in Islamabad after the acceptance of dates by the Indian side, the announcement said.

Pakistan’s deputy high commissioner in New Delhi communicated the dates to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday, officials here said.

Earlier this month, Pakistan formally conveyed its acceptance of a proposal by New Delhi to initiate talks on resumption of air links and offered to host the meeting.

India had suggested to Pakistan convening of technical-level talks for restoring air links after conclusion of parleys on resumption of bi-weekly New Delhi-Lahore bus service last month.

In May 2002, India had proposed revival of overflights without resumption of air links but Pakistan rejected this proposal as being “self-serving”.

During talks on resumption of air links, the Pakistani side would push for a formal pact to preclude the possibility of a unilateral withdrawal of this facility by any one party, sources told Dawn.

The stalled air links have caused huge revenue losses to both Pakistan and India.