Stating that there was deep distrust between India and Pakistan, High Commissioner of Pakistan Abdul Basit Monday said all the tension stem from the ‘dispute of Jammu and Kashmir’.

In his special address at the 3rd Annual conference on India and Pakistan trade organised by ICRIER here, Basit said, “Was it possible to put this (J&K) issue on the back burner. Can you put it on back burner and focus on softer issues like trade and culture? Has this worked so far.”

“Our experience tells us no matter how we try to work on softer issues there are inherent limitations and mutual distrust doesn’t allow us to extend trade beyond a point,” he said.

Basit said the situation is so bad that he can’t move out of Delhi without permission and likewise his Indian counterpart can’t leave Islamabad without permission.

The High Commissioner said Jammu and Kashmir dispute was not about the territory but about the aspirations of millions of people, who are struggling for that.

“Both countries have been talking on eight points but we haven’t achieved any progress. We need to address all the issues with seriousness and sincerity of purpose,” he said.

Basit pointed out that while trade has increased but it has not helped to improve relations. “We have seen how India hardened its stand and cancelled Foreign Secretary level talks in August last year. No economic and trade relation can be sustained if it is one sided”.

He called for seizing any opportunity to enhance the mutual interest.