ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: Pakistani and Indian officials began two-day expert-level talks on resumption of air links between the two countries in Rawalpindi on Wednesday with Pakistan seeking “abiding commitment” to the principles and norms of international civil aviation.

The talks on the first day lasted only two hours with preliminary discussions on the agenda and its adoption, sources privy to the meeting told Dawn.

“The technical aspects will be discussed on Wednesday,” a senior official said after the meeting.

At the outset the head of Pakistani delegation Major General Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhary, additional secretary defence, underlined the importance of early resumption of air services between the two countries, saying it would promote greater people-to-people contacts.

In a pointed message directed to India’s unilateral suspension of the air links, the head of Pakistani delegation declared: “Pakistan favours full respect for principles and norms relating to international civil aviation and would seek an abiding commitment to ensure that these are respected.”

The declaration is a hint that Pakistan may seek signing of a supplementary bilateral agreement to guard against unilateral suspension of air links in the future.

The Indian side apparently did not comment on this aspect and said it would have a discussion on it later.

Welcoming the Indian delegation the additional secretary of defence said the disruption of air services had caused inconvenience to the people of both the countries and early resumption of flights was in the interest of both, said a brief statement issued by the ministry of defence.

“The technical level discussions, which were being held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, will continue tomorrow,” the statement concluded.

Mr Satendra Singh, director general Civil Aviation, India, is leading the five-member Indian delegation.

India has unilaterally severed air links with Pakistan twice since 1971.

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