That diplomacy is an art that has found its best expression in the clarification of Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. Dispelling the impression that Kashmir issue was put on the back burner during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Ufa, he has declared that no talks with India will be held unless Kashmir issue is on the agenda.
The Adviser has made it clear that Pakistan has now abandoned its plan to internationalise the alleged Indian interference in Pakistan's internal affairs. According to him, the decision to take up the matter with the United Nations or not will be taken after his meeting with the Indian National Security Adviser.
The PML-N government, unlike its predecessor PPP government, has a clear advantage in relation to country's policymaking processes on foreign affairs. It has the services of a Sartaj Aziz, the most astute and competent chief diplomat in the recent history of the country. Deft handling of the Yemen crisis by him is a strong case in point. The efforts made by him must not be squandered by statements such as the one issued by former ambassador to the US Sherry Rehman on the joint statement of India and Pakistan on the sidelines of the recently held SCO summit in Ufa, Russia. Sartaj's handling of this and similar issues is always characterised by skilful diplomacy.
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