LAHORE: Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar wants India to take a ‘bold initiative’ to resolve the Siachen dispute, while Indian High Commissioner Sharat Sabharwal says the Kargil episode has made things difficult.

In reply to questions by Indian businessmen who are here on a two-day visit to attend an economic conference, Ms Khar said Pakistan had suffered heavy human losses in Siachen and it believed that all outstanding issues with India could be resolved through a sustained dialogue. She said Pakistan was willing to resolve the dispute even as far back as in 1989.

“Today Pakistan still sticks to its stance and we want India to also take a bold initiative in this regard.”

“The two countries have lost opportunities over 23 years to resolve the standoff on the Himalayan glacier. The recent tragedy in Siachen is a stark and painful reminder of the explicit human cost of status quo,” she said, urging India to show flexibility in resolving all issues, including Kashmir.

Last month, over 100 Pakistani troops were buried under an avalanche in Siachen.

Mr Sabharwal said: “India is also interested to resolve the Siachen issue. We had Kargil that made things difficult.

“However, both sides have recognised this issue and in coming talks it will be discussed.”

Ms Khar said there could be no military solution to any of the problems between the two countries.

“We will have to solve our problems by building trust. The two countries should learn lessons from the past and look forward.

“Pakistanis believe that war is not an option between two nuclear powers. The only option is to resolve our differences and disputes on the negotiating table.”

She said increased trade between the two countries could help improve relations, besides giving economic opportunities to their people.

However, she was quick to add that trade alone might not ‘unlock’ the solution to the core issue of Kashmir or the Sir Creek and Siachen issues.

“We must have greater trade between us. Greater trade will help India and Pakistan talk to each other comfortably and move forward,” she said.

The foreign minister added: “We cannot expect good things for Pakistan and ill for India. Similarly, Indians cannot expect good things for India and ill for Pakistan... It is illogical.”

She said Pakistan was committed to having good relations with India as it could not achieve goals on its own. “We welcome India to demonstrate the same courage that our leadership has demonstrated.”