ISLAMABAD: The Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Ahmed, told the National Assembly today [March 2] that Pakistan was ready to discuss with India the three outstanding issues — re-establishment of diplomatic relations, restoration of air traffic between the two countries and overflights, and settlement of the Kashmir dispute. … He pointed out that the territories occupied by the two countries in 1971 were restored to the respective sides, the prisoners of war were released … steps were taken for the restoration of limited travel … trade was resumed after 10 years… . This showed that the Government of Pakistan was not misleading the people when it said relations were improving… . However, … it was true that during recent months there has been certain slowing down of the process. — Correspondent

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Beirut,] Three Israeli soldiers and three Palestinians were killed in a violent demonstration in the Gaza strip… . … The protest … was against an Israeli court decision … that Jews could not be prevented from praying on the esplanade in front of … Al Aqsa Mosque… . Similar demonstrations were held on the Israeli-occupied west bank.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026