Pakistani premier helps India peace move

Pakistan’s premier restored transport links with neighbour India today, announced full diplomatic ties and called for confidence-building measures concerning their nuclear arsenals.

Zafarullah Khan Jamali also said he hoped the two nations could resolve their decades-long differences over the disputed Kashmir region.

The region is divided between both nations but claimed in its entirety by both, and has been the cause of two wars between them.

“I am hopeful a good solid solution should be coming forward on all issues, of course including the Jammu and Kashmir issue,” Jamali said in Islamabad.

There was no immediate comment from India.

Jamali said Pakistan wanted dialogue on the nuclear issue, which has worried the world community and heightened diplomatic activity in the region.

The South Asian nations declared themselves nuclear powers after detonating atomic devices in 1998.

Neither arsenal is open to inspections and it’s not known exactly what either country possesses.

Jamali said he also wanted the two nations to restore sports links, including cricket and hockey matches.

Except for the World Cup, Pakistan and India have not played a cricket match since 2000.

Jamali said he favoured a tiered approach to negotiations with India, with the ultimate goal being a summit between the leaders.

Pakistan’s prime minister also sought to increase trade between the two countries by reducing customs and tariffs on more than 70 items.